problem solving toys for one year old

Discovery Play with Littles

2:01 pm ·

15 Powerful Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

I looked over to her table and she’s crying. Again. While everyone else is happily working away, she sat there, unable to move, just crying. 

Not asking for help.

Not trying to solve her problem.

Just crying.

I took a deep breath before heading over. We’ve already been at this for several months…isn’t it about time the problem-solving has kicked in yet?

One glance and I could tell what her problem was. She didn’t have her pencil.

Know how I knew?

It laid on the floor beside her. In plain sight.

As a kindergarten teacher, I don’t jump right in and solve problems for kids. It’s good for them to try to solve the problem themselves. This is something she struggled with. 

I reminded myself of the need for patience and empathy as I walked up to her. “What’s wrong, Amanda?” 

“I…can’t…find…my…pencil….” she sputtered out between sobs. 

“Ok, that’s a problem we can solve. What have you tried?” 

“I don’t know.” 

After a long time trying to first, calm her down, and second, come up with some strategies she could try, she finally found her pencil. At that point, everyone else had finished the project. 

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to your problem . This can be quite tricky for some young children, especially those with little experience in finding more than one way to solve a problem.

Why is Problem Solving Important? 

Problem-solving skills are used throughout childhood into adulthood. As adults, we solve problems on a daily basis. Some problems we solve without thinking much- I wanted to make tacos for dinner but forgot to buy the ground beef. What are we going to have for dinner now?

Other problems are significantly more complicated. 

Problems for kiddos can be problems with friendships, the inability to find something that’s needed, or even what to do when things don’t go your way. 

Kids who lack problem-solving skills struggle to maintain friendships or even begin to attempt to solve their own problems. 

Children who lack problem-solving skills are at a higher risk for depression as well.

What Are Problem-Solving Skills?

Problem-solving skills are:

• Breaking Down a Problem into Smaller Parts
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Logical Reasoning
• Perseverance

That’s a big list to teach toddlers and preschoolers. Where do you begin?

The Problem-Solving Steps

Sometimes kids are so overwhelmed with frustration that it affects their ability to solve problems.

Kids feel safe in routines, and routines help them learn and grow. After a few times of repeating this routine, you’ll find your kiddo starts to do this on their own. 

It’s important not to skip straight to solving the problem , because your kiddo needs to be in a calm state of mind to solve the problem, and also they need to know their feelings are valid. 

• The first thing to do when your kiddo is struggling with problem-solving is to validate their emotions.

In doing this, they will feel more understood and learn that their emotions are okay. There are no bad feelings, and we must learn how to manage our emotions. 

This might sound something like “Oh, I can see you are really frustrated that the block won’t fit on there right. Let’s take some deep breaths to help us calm down before we think about what to do next.”

• Next, work through your calm-down process . This may be taking some deep breaths together, hugging a stuffie, or giving your kiddo some quiet time to calm down their heart and mind.
• Identify the problem . This sounds like something you may have already done (before the meltdown) but it’s important to be very clear on the problem you’re solving. Have the child tell you their problem out loud.
• Move on to solution-finding . When your kiddo is ready, talk about what the problem is and three possible solutions. When possible, let your kiddo do all of the talking. This allows him to practice his problem-solving skills. It’s important to remind him that the first thing he tries may not work, and that’s ok. There’s always another way to solve the problem. If he’s prepared for this, solutions that don’t work won’t be such a frustrating experience. 
• After you’ve done that, test your solutions one by one. See what works. If you haven’t found a solution yet, go back and think of different ways you might be able to solve your problem and try again.

Are you tired of hearing “It’s TOO HARD!” followed by a meltdown?

Using this one simple phrase you’ll get in this powerful lesson, you’ll not only be able to help your kiddo not give up but you’ll:

>Activate their superpower of perseverance so that they can turn around a meltdown and keep trying

>Inspire them to use perseverance …even when it’s hard

>Teach them to recognize the warning signs of giving up , and how to turn it around by taking control of their choices.

Grab your powerful FREE video lesson to teach your kiddo one of the most powerful keys to perseverance.

Powerful Activities that Teach Problem-Solving Skills to Toddlers & Preschoolers

These activities below may look simple, but don’t let that deter you from trying them. A lot happens in little developing brains and these powerful activities help toddlers and preschoolers make connections and develop {many} essential skills-more than just problem-solving.

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Puzzles are fun and a great way to encourage cognitive development in children. They are great for spacial reasoning and strengthening problem-solving skills. They also develop memory skills, critical thinking, and the ability to plan and execute the plan. Toddlers will enjoy the simple puzzles, and preschoolers will do great with floor puzzles with larger puzzle pieces.

Doing Simple Chores

Doing simple chores is a great way to teach children problem-solving skills, and it strengthens responsibility and perseverance as well. 

During the toddler years , you may start with just picking up their toys, or helping you put their dirty clothes in the hamper. 

Preschoolers can take their dirty dishes to the sink (or load them in the dishwasher), collect the trash, dust, wipe baseboards, and do their own personal care items like making their bed, taking care of their dirty clothes, and putting clean clothes away.

Stacking Rings

When watching a toddler play with stacking rings it doesn’t look like much is happening, but playing with these toys is full of ways to encourage development. It helps with visual and spacial perception and planning ahead, but it also with balance control, crossing the midline, creative play, and gross motor skills. Not to mention it’s a great opportunity to practice problem-solving. 

Playing Hide-and-Seek

Hide and seek has many surprising benefits for kids. Playing hide and seek is like a treasure hunt that helps develop gross motor skills and encourages physical development, as well as problem-solving skills. It also helps young children develop visual tracking, working memory, and social-emotional skills.

Imaginative Play

Imaginative play (also called role-play) builds important skills. Through pretending to be in different situations, kids develop social skills, emotional skills, better communication, and problem-solving skills. Imaginative play is a great idea for young toddlers all the way to older children.

Free Play 

Many young children don’t have {enough} time for free play. Free play is important for healthy brain development , not only developing imagination, cooperation, physical skills, and independence but also providing a great opportunity to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

Playing with Wooden Blocks

Building blocks are a fun way for children to develop creative thinking, imagination, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and if working with others, cooperation, communication, and friendship.

Playing Memory

Memory games improve attention, focus, visual recognition, and concentration. It helps children recognize details and of course, strengthens problem-solving skills. 

Ask Questions

When I see my son struggling with something, my first instinct is to give him choices or at least lead him in the right direction. The better thing to do is to ask very open-ended questions that lead his process, not his thoughts.

Questions like “What’s one way to solve your problem?” are much more effective in teaching problem-solving skills than “Well, where did you last see your stuffy?” 

Read Books and Social Stories

Reading books is one of my favorite ways to teach any skill. It’s extremely effective at teaching, and it’s also an amazing bonding time with kids.

When we read stories, our brain reacts as if we’re living in the story. This is why reading books about skills such as problem-solving is so effective. 

Kids of all ages learn from the people they love . (Yes, even those older kids who you don’t think are paying attention.) Often as adults, we’re too busy going through our daily routine to think about talking about the way we solved the problem at work that day.

Talking about how you use skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and integrity is a great way to set an example, and an expectation that this is how we do things, and it will provide encouragement for your kiddo to do the same.

Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are a great group activity that can strengthen your child’s logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When Your Kiddo is Ready, Add These Activities

Preschoolers would benefit from all of the fun activities on the list above and when they’re ready, feel free to add in the following activities.   

Mazes are great for problem-solving and perseverance, but your kiddo will need to have decent fine motor skills to do these activities. Mazes are one of our favorite activities. We love to take our activity book of mazes in the car with us for road trips. 

Board Games  

Board games are a good way to strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, planning skills, patience, sportsmanship, and communication skills. They also strengthen family relationships by providing some intentional time of connection .

Any board game can also be turned into an academic game with just a deck of cards for whatever skill you’re working on. If you’re working on the alphabet, put one letter on each card. Before each player’s turn, they draw a letter card and say the letter’s name. (You may accidentally forget the name of a letter every now and then to see if your kiddo is really paying attention!) 

Allow Opportunities for Hands-On Investigations

Kids are tactile. They love to touch and explore things with their hands. This is a good activity for toddlers also, as long as they are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage. Hands-on exploration is great for language development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.

Allowing kids to investigate with their hands allows them to see how the world works up close. It also gives them time and space to try to make things work…and problem-solve when it doesn’t go as they think it should.

The Most Difficult Way (and Most Important Way) To Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills

Watching our kids struggle is hard ! We don’t want to see them having a hard time…and most of the time we don’t want to deal with the impending meltdown. Standing back and giving our kids time and space to work through even simple problems is hard to do. It’s also the most important way to strengthen problem-solving skills. 

As parents, we’re like frogs in boiling water. When our kids are infants, they need us to recognize their needs and solve them immediately. As they get older, they can point to what they want, but we still have a lot of interpreting and problem-solving to do on our own. If we aren’t careful, we stay in this stage and don’t teach our kiddos the steps to problem-solving for themselves. 

The next most difficult thing? Allowing natural consequences to happen. (As long as your child is safe of course.) If your child saves their money for a long time to buy a new toy, but walks down the toy aisle and picks up something you know they’ll be disappointed with, let it happen. It will teach a valuable lesson that will last for years to come.

Another Essential Part of Problem-Solving

Perseverance is a big part of problem-solving. We are rarely able to solve problems the first time, and it’s essential that kids can find more than one solution to a problem. Studies have found that perseverance is actually the biggest predictor of success, even more than aptitude or raw talent. 

An entire module is dedicated to perseverance in our course for kids, Super Kid Adventures . Your kiddo will get 25 teacher-led lessons on character traits (perseverance, empathy, friendship, responsibility, and wellness) and activities that take their learning further. 

Want a free preview? Grab a FREE Perseverance video lesson that teaches your kiddo one of the most important secrets that help them use perseverance.

Want More? 

If you like this, you’ll love: 

The Ultimate List of Books that Teach Perseverance

7 Simple Ways to Encourage Independence in Young Children

How to Help Your Child Develop Self-Help Skills

Your Turn 

What are your favorite ways to teach problem-solving skills?

About Elizabeth

Elizabeth is a mama of two boys, a former teacher, and the founder of Discovery Play with Littles. Her mission is to make raising kids with character simple and fun. Join us for our best learning through play ideas, character growth activities, and family connection ideas so you can watch your child thrive.

Reader Interactions

As a SLP trying to guide parents as I work with their child. I would like to know what toys to recommend to my parents as I assist in guiding their child’s development in cognition and expressive language.

Perseverance is the biggest predictor of success, even more than raw talent or aptitude.

Grab a FREE lesson to teach your kiddo one of the keys to perseverance...which is how we talk to our brains.

They'll learn what to say when they encounter something difficult, and why it's so important.

PLAY is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. -Mr. Rogers

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The 35 Best Toys for 1-Year-Olds, Recommended by Parents and Experts

Playful, educational, and entertaining picks for curious minds.

Our Review Process

• Factors to Consider

Parents / Alli Waataja

The one-year mark in a child’s life is a big milestone as kids leave the baby stage and officially enter their toddler era. As they develop physically and emotionally, a whole new world of age-appropriate toys also opens for them. Children this age are intrigued by colors, sounds, and textures. But they also like to put things in their mouths (so choose toys that are safe and easy to keep clean ).

The best toys for 1-year-olds provide sensory enrichment, help develop motor skills, and encourage language learning. To find these toys, we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers and asked about their kids' favorite toys, what skills they help them practice, and how durable and easy to use they are. In addition, we interviewed a pediatrician and a toy industry expert to gain further insights into toy safety and the latest trends. A physician double board-certified in neonatology and pediatrics on our Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding the safety, ease of use, and developmental appropriateness of toys for 1-year-olds.

LeapFrog 4-in-1 Learning Hamburger

For any child fascinated by cause and effect, this simple but engaging toy is a great way for them to practice taking action and seeing what happens next . Each layer of this recycled plastic hamburger spins down the center pole to stack up in any order or pattern they choose, but each individual ring—in bright colors and featuring different textures—is interesting enough all on its own. Plus, it’s not electronic, so you won’t be annoyed by sound effects or melodies here.

Tiny Love Tiny Rockers Accordion

For budding musicians who love exploring the world through their sense of hearing, this handheld accordion includes seven melodies, all customizable with volume and mode settings. Its circular shape makes it easy for even newly turned 1-year-olds to hold and carry around , and we love that one side of the toy is also a mini piano with keys that light up when your child presses them, helping this toy build even more hand-eye coordination skills. 

Lego Duplo My First Daily Routines: Eating & Bedtime Toy

With their big, chunky size and bright colors, Lego Duplo blocks are an all-time favorite of parents and kids alike, and we love the opportunities for fun and learning the eating and bedtime routines set invites. Not only can your 1-year-old build, take apart, and rearrange the pieces in dozens of ways, but they can also role-play some of the most important parts of their own day using the adorable animal figures and prop blocks included.

Learning Resources Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog

Fine motor skills can be practiced with just about any household item, but bright, colorful, and cute animals will get their attention more effectively. This adorable hedgehog is a great tool to get your child using their hands, counting, and identifying colors as they place the 12 plastic quills back inside the holes in its back. Plus, parents will love that the hedgehog opens up to store all its pieces inside when not in use.

Melissa & Doug Pull-Back Vehicles, Soft Baby and Toddler Toy Set

There’s nothing we don’t love about this set of four vehicles: they’re soft, lightweight, durable, and washable . Your little one will enjoy the pull-back wheels that allow them to explore cause and effect as they pull the vehicles and then let go to watch them roll away. We also like the design of the vehicles—a school bus, fire truck, police car, and regular car, all with passengers pictured inside—for encouraging imaginative play .

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 4-In-1 Farm-to-Market Tractor Ride-On

Once toddlers start walking independently , a whole new world of mobility opens up with ride-ons, pull and push toys, and more. The Fisher-Price Tractor Ride-On maximizes all these newly learned abilities. This learning toy features a market wagon that attaches to it or can be pulled with a handle, and removable shape-sorter fruits and veggies (and a credit card!).

The tractor plays over 75 songs to help kids learn their ABCs, numbers, shapes, and more. We love that this toy has a "smart stages" switch that enables you to pick the right level of learning for your kiddo , with simpler songs and concepts for the younger toddlers and more elaborate phrases as they learn and grow. If you're buying it as a gift, keep in mind that this toy requires three AA batteries (not included).

Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone

This award-winning musical toy has been praised for its  colorful wooden design  and ability to teach kids about cause and effect. Rather than push a button, kids make their own music with a wooden hammer and balls, which little hands can place into the corresponding holes.

The Hape Pound and Tap Bench is made with high-quality wood with child-safe paint and rounded edges, making it easy to clean and safe for little hands and mouths. The parents we surveyed love how this toy keeps their toddlers engaged and entertained for hours and how they are able to find more creative ways to play. One of our editors also owns this xylophone, and she says this is the only toy her son plays with daily. Sometimes he taps the xylophone, but his favorite part is pushing the balls through the slots and putting them back in.

Manhattan Toy Little Rocket Finds Home Soft Activity Crinkle Book

By the time their first birthday rolls around, babies are usually starting to show more interest in exploring books on their own. With loads of  sensory experiences , this soft crinkle book gives them more than enough material to be amazed at. There are colorful illustrations, a variety of different textures (like a fluffy cloud), noises like a squeaker and rattle toy, and flaps and pockets for them to check out.

We appreciate the teether corner and the fact that this is  washable , and also love that it’s easy to pack up when heading out. And unlike other books for babies and toddlers, this one actually has a story you can read together as you explore the different textures. 

Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks

This classic toy is an ultra-affordable option that is sure to please little ones. The set includes 10 colorful blocks that fit into identical slots in a  convenient carry case . The blocks promote a host of important skills, including matching, sorting, and problem-solving.

Radio Flyer Busy Buggy Sit to Stand Toddler Ride On Toy

The Radio Flyer Busy Buggy gets kids moving, whether pushing this adorable car around or interacting with one of its many features. One of our writers received a free sample of this Radio Flyer ride-on toy (but in pink), and it was a breeze to put together, requiring only the attachment of the handlebar. The Busy Buggy has 17 interactive features , like clicking dials and folding mirrors, which allow toddlers to enhance their fine motor skills. 

We love the storage compartment underneath the seat, where kids can pack their favorite toys (or the TV remote) for the ride. If kids don’t feel like walking, they can sit on the seat and power the car using their feet. 

Radio Flyer

Battat Wooden Activity Cube

With five different play surfaces and a variety of activities, the Battat Wooden Activity Cube will surely keep 1-year-olds occupied and engaged. The solid cube features a wire bead maze, spinning blocks, sliding knobs, little doors to open and shut, and rolling wood blocks with cheerful farm animals. The cube is also mindfully designed with  curved corners to help prevent bumps and bruises. 

The activities on the solid wood cube offer learning opportunities for matching, exploring cause and effect, and practicing hand-eye coordination. Vibrant colors, adorable pictures of animals, and a variety of activities will keep toddlers entertained for quite some time.

Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Tots one year and up can practice problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills  with an adorable puzzle like the Melissa & Doug Jumbo Knob Wooden Puzzle. Each piece is cut from a thick piece of wood and has a  large knob  on top that’s just the right size for little hands to grasp to help them guide the piece into its place. There are a variety of theme options, too, like farm animals ,  colorful shapes , and  pets . 

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Around the Town Learning Table

Little ones get to stand up while they play with the Fisher-Price Around the Town Learning Table, which is broken into four play zones , including a zoo, puppy house, market, and farm. Each section has different activities that let kids push buttons, flip switches, spin toys, and more. The table has lights and sounds, includes a toy phone for interactive play, and has three stages to meet your child’s developmental needs. Kids between 6 months and 3 years old are the perfect age to enjoy this table. 

Battat Stacking Cups

This set of 10 multicolor cups can be used to stack up tall towers, contain individual items, scoop and pour water in the tub, or nest within one another, opening up an infinite number of possibilities for play. The best part? The largest cup includes a handle, turning it into a bucket to store all the other cups or take with you on the go.

Tomy Toomies Hide & Squeak Eggs

Unlike a typical carton of eggs, children are encouraged to crack all of the eggs inside this TOMY Hide & Squeak set. Each egg has a removable top with a colorful face that matches the chick on the inside. When your kiddo presses down on the chick, it squeaks, which helps develop   sensory and fine motor skills. 

LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book

The LeapFrog Learning Friends 100 Words Book contains little activities to strengthen fine motor skills and sound bites that teach science, letters, and numbers. All of the sound features can be played in either English or Spanish  mode to further develop vocabulary and language skills. Kiddos will love all the buttons, lights, sounds, and interactive pages that teach them 100 words while having fun. 

B. Toys One Two Squeeze Baby Blocks

Littles between 6 months and 3 years old   can stack, sort, squeeze, toss, and even chew on these soft molding foam blocks . The set comes with 10 blocks in various colors, each with different images on all six sides, including numbers, animals, and shapes. When they’re not being played with, the blocks stack nicely into a little plastic carrying case for storage. 

Leapfrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo

The LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo is surprisingly functional. Even though it's small, the buttons on the base let little ones choose one of three modes of play: letters, animals, or music. When your child interacts by spinning the wheel or pushing any number of colorful buttons, they’ll be  building their vocabulary and improving motor skills .

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Light-Up Learning Vacuum

Did you know that kids learn a lot of skills simply from mimicking their parents? Foster good habits and an inclination to  help around the house  with this fun light-up vacuum. Your kiddo can push the vacuum around just like their parents and caregivers might, but this version plays learning songs and phrases as they push to help expand their vocabulary, too. 

Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano Wooden Musical Toy

Little Mozarts in the making will have a ton of fun with this piano that has  color-coded keys  and three sheets of music that will guide them in playing melodies. The coolest part? The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Piano keys are all laid across a flat piece of wood, so they’re “magic.” This toy is best for budding musicians between 6 months and 3 years old.

Little Tikes Rocking Horse

The Little Tikes Rocking Horse is a great way for 1-year-olds to burn some of that extra energy. It’s designed for kids between 1 and 3 years old and under 50 pounds. Its tallest point stands just over 17 inches from the ground, it’s made from strong, durable plastic, and can be played with  indoors or outdoors .

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

Children up to 2 years old can clutch and teeth on the Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle all they want. It's  colorful and lightweight , so it's fun to fiddle with and throw around. This rattle toy is big enough to keep little ones entertained but small enough to easily tuck into a diaper bag or under the stroller. The teething tubes are made of BPA-free plastic, perfect for tiny hands and teeth.

VTech Pull and Sing Puppy

If your family isn’t quite ready for a real puppy, the VTech Pull and Sing Puppy is a great alternative. This dog’s got plenty of tricks: He walks, sings, and even teaches numbers, colors, and body parts  through more than 60 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases. 

First 100 Words: A Padded Board Book

At 1 year of age,  your child's vocabulary is likely on the verge of exploding. This comprehensive book for little ones , complete with 100 words essential to a child’s daily life, provides a gentle nudge in the right direction. The board-book style makes "First 100 Words" easy for tiny hands to maneuver, and  bright, bold illustrations keep kids engaged. 

Tiny Land Teepee for Kids with Mat

At 47 inches wide and 59 inches tall, this tent it’s perfectly kid-sized, with just enough room for some toys, books, and stuffed animal friends. We love that it also comes with a string of starlights, a pretend campfire toy, and a drawstring bag for easy storage.

BusyPuzzle Personalized Name Puzzle With Pegs

For a unique gift that both littles and parents will love, try a personalized name puzzle. This artful toy is crafted with high-quality material to give it a super sophisticated vibe, but it’s functional, too. It’ll provide hours of fun that help children build problem-solving skills and fine motor function and—eventually— teach them how to spell their names . 

Little Tikes First Slide

When your new toddler is still a little too small for the playground, this beginner-level slide is a great alternative for a climbing toy. The Little Tikes First Slide is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can enjoy active play no matter what the weather is like. Parents love that it  folds flat for portability  and convenient storage.

Manhattan Toy Tree Top Adventure Activity Center

There’s no shortage of fun to be had with this award-winning wooden toy. The  freestanding activity table , which features dozens of bead runs and gliders that facilitate grasping skills, is just the right size—small enough for the younger set to sit and play but large enough for toddlers to tinker while standing.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike

This ride-on toy is perfect for growing youngsters hitting new milestones all the time. It has  four different ways to ride : Use it as an infant trike, a steering trike with adult help, a learn-to-ride trike, or a classic trike suitable for more independent riders. Though the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike is pricier, it’s a worthy investment because you'll use it for years; it’s suitable for children as young as 1 year and as old as 5 years.

Mega Bloks 80-Piece Big Building Bag

The Mega Block Big Building Bag is a set of 80 large-scale blocks that provide the perfect introduction to  building blocks . The colorful pieces  easily click together , so kids can harness the power of their imagination and create any number of things—from towers to castles to cars and more.

Fat Brain Toys SpinAgain Kids Stacking Toy

This toy puts a new twist on the classic stacking toy. This set of six brightly colored, graduated  discs spin down a corkscrew pole , encouraging hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the concept of cause and effect.

Boon Building Bath Toys Set

Get those creative juices flowing and those problem-solving skills into tip-top shape with this fun   bath-time building set. Kids will love figuring out how to connect the pipes to create a maze of working waterfalls . This set truly takes bath toys to a whole new level!

B. toys by Battat FunKeys Toy

There’s just something about keys—little kids love them. To ensure your set doesn’t go missing, give toddlers their own special set of keys they can chew on, rattle, and carry around. In addition to the eye-catching colors, these baby-safe keys have a realistic design and a functional remote that emits car sounds  and turns on a flashlight. 

VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck

This colorful dump truck is so much more than just a  pull-along toy . It’s a great tool for teaching kids basic counting—as they load the truck’s hinged bucket with rocks, the toy counts each one aloud. It also plays a variety of melodies and phrases that teach additional vocabulary, including colors and shapes.

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center

Toddlers are notorious for their short attention spans, but this activity center gives tots two choices—basketball or soccer—to ensure there’s no shortage of fun. The  light-up scoreboard  provides positive feedback when kids score and play fun songs and sounds.

People who play with kids on a daily basis are the best experts on toys that 1-year-olds love and actually engage with, so we surveyed 875 parents and caregivers to find out their kids' favorite toys, what they like most about them, how long they keep their attention, and their overall value and quality. We also interviewed these experts to learn more about the safety of toys for 1-year-olds and the latest toys and games for this age group:

• Natasha Burgert , MD, is a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas. She's also the American Academy of Pediatrics’ national spokesperson and a regular contributor to multiple national media outlets.
• Kristin Morency Goldman , is a senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association, an industry organization that represents hundreds of manufacturers and retailers dedicated to championing the benefits of play.

Factors to Consider When Buying Toys for 1-Year-Olds

• Ease of Use: Any toy for your child should be lightweight enough for them to carry and lift, and the features should be appropriate and easy for them to use. Also, think about how easy the toy will be to clean and store when not in use.
• Educational Value: There’s a lot for 1-year-olds to learn, from basic motor and language skills to letters, colors, sounds, and more. Consider what toys they already have and what skills they’re working on when you start shopping. 
• Age Appropriateness: Always check the age range of the toys you plan to buy. While you may be excited to teach your little one new things, you want to find a toy they can understand, enjoy, and fully engage with safely . 
• Safety: Babies love to grab, chew, and throw things, so choose toys that are made of safe, non-toxic materials and have soft edges. Additionally, watch out for toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard—generally, these toys are labeled 3+, says Morency Goldman.

Julie Evans  is a writer and editor who has worked with Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, SheKnows, and more. Evans received her master's degree in nonfiction writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her work covers topics including health and wellness, parenting, technology, finance, real estate, and pop culture.

Sarah Bradley is a freelance health and parenting writer from Connecticut, where she lives with her husband and three sons. As a homeschooling mom who works part-time, she understands the value of shopping for parenting products that are not only safe and affordable but also make family life easier (and more fun!).

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From color and shape sorters to walking and climbing toys, these will level-up those kids' skills!

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When looking to buy gifts for 1-year-olds , there are lots of reasons to look for toys that alight with a Montessori philosophy. "Montessori materials for 1-year-olds often support fine motor and gross motor skills, sensory exploration, object permanence, and spacial awareness as well as concentration and independence," says Alanna Gallo, former teacher and founder of Play. Learn. Thrive. But what exactly is meant by "Montessori toy" can cause confusion, especially if you don't know what to look for.

What is a Montessori toy?

Actually, Gallo says, there's no such thing as a "Montessori toy," only toys that are aligned with or inspired by by the Montessori philosophy. These toys often have similar traits. "A toy that has been inspired by the Montessori philosophy is going to be designed to isolate or emphasize a single learning concept," Gallo says. "It will often be beautifully made of natural materials. It should be self-correcting — think a shape sorter or puzzle — so the child can easily recognize their mistakes. It will promote self-directed play and learning. Anything that is designed to simply entertain a child — lights up, talks, sings, etc. — is not aligned with the Montessori philosophy."

What are the best Montessori-Inspired toys for 1-year-olds?

With all that in mind, these are our favorites.

Our top picks for Montessori-inspired toys for 1-year-olds:

• Fat Brain Toys Geometry Puzzle , $6 on amazon.com
• Adena Montessori Coin Box , $16 on amazon.com
• Elite Montessori Color Sorting and Stacking Toy , $18 on amazon.com
• Ulanik Balls in Cups Toy , $30 on amazon.com
• Adena Montessori 6-in-1 Play Kit , $37 on amazon.com

There are a couple of things to look out for when searching for Montessori-aligned toys. The first is the expense, which can be great, often due to the quality of the materials used in making them. But if you're looking for bargains, this isn't the place. And the other, Gallo warns, is about companies that throw around the Montessori name recklessly as a marketing tactic. "The biggest issue is that most toys claiming to be Montessori do not align with the Montessori philosophy," she says. "Children would benefit more from a parent adopting a Montessori approach to parenting, versus buying 'Montessori” toys.'" But if you're looking for a place to start, consult our favorites from this list.

Looking for more great gifts for kids ? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

The Best Montessori Toys for 2-Year-Olds | The Best Toys for Infants | The Best Toys for Toddlers

Fat Brain Toys Geometry Puzzle

Puzzles help kids develop all sorts of skills: They promote spatial awareness, help with shape recognition and encourage problem-solving. This simple, wooden puzzle also has knobs on the pieces to make them easier for little hands to grasp. Ages 1+

Hape Counting Stacker

Kids work on their fine-motor coordination when they get these colorful, hexagonal pieces onto the proper pegs. They practice color sorting and counting, too, by learning that the one red block fits on the first peg, the two yellow blocks fit on the second and so on. Ages 1+

Melissa & Doug Safari Zig-Zag Tower

Being able to track moving objects with the eyes is an important Montessori skill, and it helps with hand-eye coordination, reading and writing later on. This Montessori-inspired toy lets kids insert the wooden animal pieces into the top and watch as they roll down the zig-zagging path, allowing them to try out their tracking skills. Ages 1+

Adena Montessori Coin Box

Object permanence is another Montessori focus. If you put the tokens into this box, will they sill be there when you open the drawer? This one comes with six colorful coins and also a ball, and both a slot and a hole in the top of the box for kids to drop them in, which also helps their fine motor coordination. Ages 6 months+

Elite Montessori Color Sorting and Stacking Toy

Kids will use different grasps when they pick up the discs in this toy and put them on the correct color pegs, which helps strengthen the muscles in their hands and helps their fine-motor coordination. They'll also practice their color recognition, starting with the three primary colors. Ages 8 months+

Meyor Discs on Horizontal Dowel

Once they've mastered stacking things vertically, they can move on to threading discs on a dowel horizontally, which presents more of a hand-eye challenge. It also encourages kids to get their hands to cross the "midline" — or the vertical line in the center of the body — which helps with things like writing and dressing later on. Ages 8 months+

Adena Montessori 4-in-1 Sorting Toy

Like other peg toys on this list, kids can use the four dowels here to sort the pieces by color or stack them by size. But this one also comes with a surprise: Two of the dowels have extra twists to them — the green one requires the pieces to be twisted in a certain direction or get snagged on small pegs, and the purple works more like s screw — that makes this more of a challenge. The base is also a simple jigsaw puzzle. Ages 1+

Balls in Cups Toy

Toddlers need focus, concentration and perseverance in order to take the spoon, pick up a colored ball and deliver it to the correct cup. And hey, if it helps them get better at self-feeding, too, that's a bonus! Ages 1+

PlanToys Wooden Musical Xylophone

Percussion instruments, like maracas and shakers, are great for toddlers. This wooden xylophone goes even further, and lets kids experiment with the different notes of the five-bar scale by hitting it with a wooden mallet. Ages 1+

Haba Wooden Discovery Blocks

Even if they're not ready for full-blown instruments, they can still experiment with different sounds in an open-ended way with these blocks. Each one makes a different acoustic sound, including squeaks, clacks and rattles. And toddlers can also stack the blocks and build with them like a construction toy. Ages 1+

Adena Montessori 6-in-1 Play Kit

With this toy, you get three different-sized boxes and a variety of tops to swap on to use in a multitude of different Montessori activities. They can stack the boxes. They can use it as a "ball drop" toy. They can put on the slotted lid and make it a coin bank. They can put on a lid with holes and plant and harvest the wooden carrots. There's also a color sorter and a tissue-box activity, too. Basically, sit a toddler in front of this and see where it takes them! Ages 6 months+

Push Along Musical Roller

Pushing this toy along will get little walkers up and moving and working on their gross motor skills. Inside, there are a couple of rolling balls along with a bell that makes a musical sound. Ages 1+

Haba Favorite Animals Sorting Box

This Montessori-inspired toy comes with six animal blocks, and toddlers will have to use their skills to match them to the correct spaces either at the puzzle on top or the shape-sorter around the side. There's a color-matching element to the game, too. Ages 1+

Hape Block and Roll Cart

This toy is a two-for-one: First, you get a push walker that encourages kids to get all their steps in. But since any good transport needs cargo, there's also a block set that kids can load and unload — it's a puzzle to fit them all in — or use to build with when they don't feel like walking anymore. Ages 1+

KiwiCo Tap and Go Spiral Activity Tower

This toy is on a roll! With this Montessori-inspired toy, kids bop the balls from the tower down onto the ramp with a hammer and watch them roll around and around on the ramp and into a hidden box at the bottom — which is good for eye-tracking and object permanence. Then, kids can use the same hammer to bop the see-saw on the bottom to make the balls roll out again. Ages 13 months+

Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Bike

Kids can work on their strength, balance and coordination with this wooden balance bike, It has rubberized wheels for better control (and to protect your floors, since it also can be used indoors). Ages 1+

Little Partners Wobble Board

This open-ended arc can be used in a variety of ways. Kids can flip it like a "U" and try to balance on it, or they can turn it upright and use it like a play tunnel. They can sit in it and read while rocking like in a rocking chair. No matter how they use it, they'll probably be working their muscles as they do! No age recommendation given

Lovevery's Play Kits

If you want someone else to do all the toy-selecting work for you, you can subscribe to Lovevery's Play Kits. Each one comes with Montessori- and Waldorf-inspired toys tailored to a child's developmental age and stage, and they also come with information for adults about what's going on in their brains at that time and how to play with kids in a developmentally appropriate way. The "Babbler" Play Kit here is specifically meant for kids ages 13 months to 15 months, but they can continue up to 4 years. Ages 13 months to 15 months for box shown here; other boxes range from 0 months – 4+ years

Lalo's The Play Box

You can subscribe to Lalo's Play Box or get one as a one-time purchase, depending on what your needs are. Either way, it'll be filled with Montessori-inspired toys tailored to their developmental stage, like this one for 13- to 15-month-olds. There's even a program where you can donate your old boxes once the kids have outgrown them. Ages 13 months to 15 months for the box shown here; other boxes range from 0 – 24 months

Little Partners Learn 'N Climb Triangle Combo

Pikler triangles are loved by Montessori fans because they develop gross motor skills, are open-ended so can be used in imaginary play, and improve spatial awareness, balance and coordination. The toy experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute were so impressed with this one they gave it a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award — they liked how sturdy it was, and also how it can be combined with other triangles or accessories (like the slide). No age recommendation given

RELATED: The Best Pikler Triangles

Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; she previously wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother . She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found dominating the audio round at her local bar trivia night or tweeting about movies.

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25 Best Montessori Toys For 1 Year Old Babies & Toddlers

Discover the top Montessori toys for your one year old that will engage and support your little one’s development while keeping them entertained. From wooden blocks to sensory play kits, find the perfect gift here!

If you’re curious about the Montessori toys, you’ve come to the right place.

Montessori toys draw their inspiration from the Montessori method of education developed by Dr. Maria Montessori , and they excel in providing young children with the tools they need to explore and learn about the world independently through play.

As you may know, play is one of the most effective ways for children to absorb knowledge and skills.

Especially when you have an energetic one-year-old, selecting the right toys becomes an important task.

In this post, we’ll take a quick look at the world of Montessori toys tailored specifically for one-year-olds.

We’ll discuss the significance of choosing age-appropriate toys for your growing toddlers and share a handpicked list of our absolute favorite Montessori toys you can introduce into your home.

So, without further ado, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of the Montessori approach.

This post is all about the best Montessori toys for 1 year old babies and toddlers.

Montessori Toys for 1 Year Old

Benefits of montessori toys for 1-year-olds.

Montessori toys differ from regular toys due to their specific focus on providing educational and developmental benefits for children.

Any toy deemed a “Montessori toy” aligns with the Montessori philosophy, which strongly emphasizes independent play, hands-on learning, and fostering creativity.

For this reason, Montessori toys typically feature open-ended designs that allow children to explore and use them in multiple ways.

This adaptability means that a one-year-old might play with a toy entirely differently than an 18-month-old, demonstrating how these toys can grow alongside your child’s development.

The self-directed nature of Montessori play also aids in problem-solving skills, instilling a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence in kids as they engage with toys at their own pace.

Montessori toys’ many benefits make them an exceptional choice for children’s play and learning experiences.

Criteria for Choosing Montessori Toys

When selecting Montessori toys for 1-year-olds, consider these factors to ensure they provide the best learning and play experiences. Here are important considerations:

• Age-appropriateness and Safety:  Ensure the Montessori toy you choose is suitable for a 1-year-old in size, complexity, and any small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Always prioritize safety and opt for toys made from non-toxic materials.
• Sensory Engagement:  Look for toys that engage a child’s senses. Montessori toys often incorporate sensory elements like different textures, colors, and sounds to stimulate a child’s sensory development.
• Open-ended Play Opportunities:  Toys with multiple uses or can be manipulated in various ways are ideal for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Quality and Durability:  Invest in well-made Montessori toys that will last many years. High-quality toys are not only safe but also offer long-lasting educational value.
• Diversity in Toy Selection:  Choose a variety of Montessori toys that cover different aspects of development. This includes toys that promote fine motor skills (i.e., stacking toys), gross motor skills (i.e., push or pull toys), cognitive development (i.e., puzzles), and sensory exploration (i.e., textured balls).
• Natural Materials:  Montessori toys often favor natural materials like wood and cloth over plastic. Toys made from these materials are eco-friendly and provide children with a tactile and sensory experience.
• Simplicity and Minimalism:  Montessori principles often favor simplicity in design. Avoid toys with excessive lights, sounds, or complex features that may overstimulate or distract your child from independent exploration.
• Purposeful and Realistic:  Montessori toys often mimic real-life objects and activities. Choose toys replicating everyday items (i.e., a play kitchen) or activities to encourage practical life skills and a connection to your child’s environment.
• Interest and Engagement:  Pay attention to your child’s interests and preferences. Montessori toys should align with your child’s current developmental stage and captivate their curiosity.
• Rotation and Minimalism:  Consider rotating Montessori toys to prevent overwhelm and encourage focused play. A minimalist approach to toy selection can help your kids concentrate and explore more deeply.

Of course, not every toy has to check every box, but considering these criteria, you can select Montessori toys that align with Montessori principles and provide a safe, engaging, and enriching play experience for your 1-year-old.

25 Best Montessori Toys For 1 Year Old

Each of the Montessori-aligned toys below promote various skills such as hands-on learning, independent play, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and child-led, self-paced exploration.

Our Top Picks:

• Wooden Caterpillar Gear Puzzle

Fat Brain Toys Spinny Pins

Wooden shape sorter cube.

Caterpillar Gear Puzzle

The caterpillar gear puzzle from Melissa and Doug became one of our daughter’s favorite toys.

She played with it nearly daily, from around 12 months to about two to three years old.

This toy features six colored gears, making it great for color recognition.

Additionally, it helps promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as your child figures out how to connect the pieces and turn them in tandem.

Recommended Age: 18 months+

The Fat Brain Toy Spinny Pins are recommended for ages 18 months to three years old, and they quickly become a favorite of every child who visits our house.

I don’t know why. It’s a bit of a mystery, but for some reason, it’s just super fun for little kids.

This toy is fantastic for developing color recognition, with its five colored pins and matching spots, but it also encourages exploration.

Kids can experiment with how objects balance differently and try placing the pins into the toy in various ways.

The Montessori approach encourages a hands-on style of learning, and this wooden shape sorter toy does just that, introducing basic shapes and helping toddlers begin to recognize and match those shapes with the corresponding slots.

It also provides additional options for fitting the toys into the box beyond just using the designated shape slots.

This flexibility lends itself to open-ended play , allowing your child to decide how to engage with the toy.

Recommended Age: 12 months+

Montessori Object Permanence Box

An object permanence toy is a classic Montessori teaching tool commonly found in Montessori schools and classrooms.

Object permanence is a foundational skill in early childhood development.

In this toy, kids drop a ball through a hole and then learn that it reappears, helping them understand cause and effect.

Recommended Age: 6 months+

Sensory Balls Set

Sensory toys are wonderful for engaging a toddler’s tactile and visual senses, aiding in their overall sensory regulation skills and awareness.

Montessori teachings strongly emphasize sensory exploration as a means for children to connect with and better understand their environment.

This specific set of sensory balls offers diverse textures and tactile experiences, allowing your child to learn and explore various sensory sensations.

Wooden Stacking Rings

Fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities take center stage with this classic toy.

Your kids will practice hand-eye coordination as they stack wooden rings in the correct order.

Montessori values independence and self-directed learning, and this toy allows children to experiment and figure out the puzzle at their own pace.

Wooden Stacking Rocks

If your one-year-old is already a pro at stacking rings and cups, you might try these stacking wooden rocks .

Unlike traditional stacking toys that go in one direction, these stones need to be carefully balanced on top of each other to stay upright. They encourage creative thinking and problem-solving skills, offering a bit of a challenge for your child.

What’s fantastic is that this toy can grow with them.

They might start by balancing just a couple of rocks, but as they age, they can build taller towers and continue developing their skills.

It can also become a fun family game to see who can make the tallest tower, providing plenty of options for enjoyable playtime together.

Lovevery Play Tunnel

Crafted from 100 percent organic cotton, this play tunnel from Lovevery makes for an excellent Montessori toy for one-year-olds.

It encourages the development of motor strength and various coordination skills while offering opportunities for open-ended creative play.

Parents rave about its quality and love that it provides hours of fun for their little ones.

Pikler Triangle

A Pikler triangle is an excellent climbing toy for kids .

We introduced one to our daughter when she was around 16 months old.

Initially, she could only climb a rung or two, but her progress was rapid.

This toy aligns beautifully with Montessori philosophy, allowing your kids to learn and conquer it at their own pace. Whether they feel comfortable with just a few rungs or aim higher, it’s all about independent exploration.

A Pikler triangle provides a safe way for them to develop climbing skills without going higher than they’re comfortable with.

Recommended Age: 2 +

[RELATED: 10 Best Toys For Climbing Toddlers That Will Save Your Sanity ]

Nesting and Stacking Blocks

Nesting and stacking blocks provide plenty of opportunities for open-ended play and creativity.

They can be stacked, nested, or used to construct structures limited only by your little one’s imagination.

Recommended Age: 2+

Montessori Coin Box

A Montessori coin box is a simple toy, but don’t let that fool you.

This toy helps kids understand object permanence as coins disappear and reappear with the opening of a drawer.

The box is designed for fine motor skill development, and as kids grow, they can use it for sorting and counting activities, boosting their confidence and early math skills.

Step2 Water Table

A water table encourages sensory exploration, letting little ones feel and see how water works.

It also provides an early science lesson as they experiment and discover scientific concepts without even knowing it, like understanding gravity when they pour water.

Most importantly, it fosters open-ended play, allowing them to explore and have fun in their own way.

LEGO Duplos

Duplos are fantastic Montessori toys for kids because they check off multiple boxes.

They encourage creativity, as kids can build various structures, help develop fine motor skills through stacking and connecting, and encourage problem-solving as your child works to bring their ideas to life.

They’re also open-ended, offering endless play possibilities.

My favorite thing about Duplos is how well they grow with your child.

Our daughter started loving them at one and a half, and she still enjoys them at nearly five years old. Their versatility ensures they remain enjoyable for years, making them a worthwhile investment.

Wee Baby Stella

Wee Baby Stella is a hugely popular baby doll for the younger crowd, mainly because she’s made from incredibly soft fabric, making her perfect for hugging and cuddling.

A baby doll overall is an excellent Montessori toy for toddlers because it encourages the development of empathy, caregiving skills, and imaginative play.

It also fosters language development through conversations, enhances fine motor skills through activities like dressing and holding, and promotes social skills and responsibility.

Wee Baby Stella is an outstanding choice if you’re looking for an excellent first baby doll for your little one.

Balance Board

A balance board is a great Montessori toy for a 1-year-old.

Even though young toddlers might not stand and balance on it just yet, they can still use it by crawling, sitting, and exploring the board’s motion.

The beauty is that it grows with them as they get older, offering different ways to play and learn.

Montessori Wooden Puzzles

Montessori-inspired wooden puzzles are a great way for your 1-year-old to develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities while providing a tactile and engaging experience.

As an added benefit, wooden puzzles are also durable and can be enjoyed for many years.

Montessori Color/Shape Sorting Box

A shape sorting board is fantastic for helping little ones learn shapes, develop color recognition, and boost hand-eye coordination.

It’s also an early introduction to math skills, as they must match shapes to the right number of pegs.

This toy will keep toddlers engaged as they work independently to figure out where everything fits.

Fat Brain Toys Dimpl

The Fat Brain Dimpl toy is a must-have if you have a one-year-old.

This small toy has silicone bubbles that can be pushed in both directions, and it’s fun for both babies and adults.

It was easily one of the most engaging toys for my daughter when she was younger.

It’s so simple, yet she loved pushing the bubbles and sometimes even chewing on it, adding an additional element to the sensory exploration possibilities of this toy.

Montessori Tissue Box Toy

Little kids have a knack for pulling tissues, wipes, and more, making a mess all over.

This toy offers them the satisfaction of that activity without the floor turning into a wasteland.

It teaches them about emptying and filling containers and provides sensory exploration opportunities with various textures, sounds, and appearances as they pull out different items from the box.

Boon Fleet Boat Baby Bath Toys

Our daughter has adored the Boon bath toys for years, and as parents, we appreciate how they offer numerous open-ended play possibilities, even during bath time.

They can be stacked, played with imaginatively, and even turned over to pour water.

Recommended Age: 10 months+

Wooden Shape Puzzles

A wooden shape puzzle with knob pieces aids in fine motor skill development as your little one works to manipulate and fit the pieces into the puzzle.

Additionally, it fosters shape recognition, helping them understand geometric shapes.

The knobs on the pieces also promote independent play, as they make it easier for your toddler’s little hands to hold the pieces on their own, reducing frustration and encouraging persistence.

Soft Stacking Blocks

Soft stacking blocks are great starter blocks for 1-year-olds.

We love them because they’re safe and squishy, which means you can let your little one explore and play without worrying about hard falls or loud crashes.

This block set is also great for promoting both gross and fine motor skills. Your child can practice squeezing them, stacking them up, and having a blast knocking them down.

Wooden Rain Stick Rattle

A wooden rain stick rattle is all about sensory exploration.

As your kids tilt and shake it, they experience the soothing sound of rain falling.

It also encourages them to focus on the sounds they’re creating, which is terrific for auditory development.

Hape Xylophone Toy

This xylophone toy is an absolute blast for 1-year-olds!

Toddlers can explore their creativity by tapping the colorful keys to create cheerful tunes or use the hammer to knock the balls down and see what happens.

It’s a fun playtime activity; it helps them to develop hand-eye coordination while also introducing them to the world of music, fostering an early appreciation for sound and rhythm.

Montessori Busy Book

Busy books are a fantastic toy to have when you’re on the go with your little one, whether it’s for traveling or dining out.

These books are typically brimming with captivating textures and other developmental activities that aim to keep your child entertained in a quiet and engaging manner.

Fat Brain Toys – My Fixer Upper Tool Bus

This is undoubtedly one of the coolest walking toys I’ve come across.

But the “Fixer Upper Tool Bus” isn’t just a push toy; it’s also brimming with opportunities for pretend play, sparking creativity, and fostering various learning experiences.

It’s particularly well-suited for older one-year-olds approaching their second year, as it’s recommended for ages 2-4.

Where to buy Montessori-inspired toys

There are several online stores where you can purchase Montessori toys for 1-year-olds. These retailers provide a variety of options for purchasing Montessori toys for 1-year-olds, catering to different preferences and needs. Here are some of the best options:

Amazon: Amazon is one of the largest and most popular places to buy Montessori toys. You can find tons of options from various brands and sellers, read customer reviews, and often benefit from fast shipping.

Shop Now on Amazon

Fat Brain Toys: Fat Brain Toys is ideal for buying Montessori toys for 1-year-olds because they offer high quality educational toys that support sensory and cognitive development. Their toys are designed to be safe and durable and align with Montessori’s hands-on learning principles, making them perfect for toddlers’ explorative and self-directed play.

Shop Now on Fat Brain Toys

Etsy: Etsy is an online marketplace known for featuring handmade and unique Montessori toys created by independent artisans and small businesses. You can discover beautifully crafted wooden toys and educational materials that are often designed with great attention to detail.

Shop Now on Etsy

Lovevery: Lovevery is a well-regarded brand that offers subscription-based play kits designed by child development experts. Their toys are Montessori-inspired and backed by research to ensure they support your child’s developmental milestones during their first years of life. Lovevery provides age-appropriate toys and play guidance to foster your child’s growth.

Shop Now on Lovevery

How to introduce Montessori toys to your 1-year-old

Introducing Montessori-friendly toys to your 1-year-old can be a rewarding experience.

Start by presenting these toys in a thoughtful and engaging manner. Begin with one toy at a time, allowing your child to explore its features and textures independently.

Observe your child closely to identify their interests and follow their lead. Montessori education values self-directed learning, so letting your child choose which toy to engage with fosters a sense of autonomy and curiosity.

Rotate toys regularly to keep their interest alive and provide fresh learning opportunities.

Create a Montessori-friendly play environment by keeping toys organized and accessible on low shelves , allowing your child to choose and return toys independently.

Minimize distractions and provide a clutter-free space to encourage focused exploration.

Remember that Montessori play is not about completing tasks but about the journey of discovery and learning at your child’s own pace, nurturing their natural sense of wonder and self-confidence.

[RELATED: Montessori Playroom | 6 Tips to Create an Educational Play Space for Your Kids ]

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up our Montessori toys post for 1-year-olds, remember that selecting the right toys can be an amazing way to nurture your child’s development.

Montessori toys encourage hands-on exploration, independence, and creativity – all essential growth skills for your little one. So, as you start this journey with your child, don’t forget to observe, engage, and adapt.

Let your child’s curiosity lead the way, and you’ll be amazed at their progress.

Check out our blog posts if you want more tips and ideas on Montessori play or related topics. Thanks!

[RELATED POSTS: [ Montessori Toys 2 Year | Best Open-Ended Toys | Montessori Playroom | Minimalist Playroom | Calming Corner ]

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Learning toys for 1-year-olds

Delivered every 3 months, each Play Kit is designed to include playthings, activities, and expert tips that foster the progression of important skills as your child grows.

Toys for fine motor skills

Circle of Friends Puzzle

First they learn to place pieces based on size and order.

Community Garden Puzzle

Next, smaller handles to grasp and organic shapes offer your toddler a greater challenge.

Geo Shapes Puzzle

Then, nesting complex shapes expands your child's knowledge of how things fit together.

Toys for gross motor skills

Slide & Seek Ball Run

At first they'll repeat popping the ball down through the top and play while sitting and squatting.

Race & Chase Ramp

Then, they'll work on their balance as they toddle after the cars and pick them up off the ground to start the run all over again.

Quilted Critter Pockets

When hung, this quilt encourages your child to stand and reach as they focus on sorting the critters.

Toys for problem solving skills

Wooden Stacking Pegboard

They'll start by figuring out how the pieces fit in each hole and stack them to learn how things work together.

The Lockbox

Next, their curiosity will lead them to explore how each unique lock and door can be opened and closed.

Wooden Posting Stand

As their attention span grows, they'll use problem-solving strategies to fit different sized dowels in the correct holes.

Toys for hand-eye coordination

Fuzzy Bug Shrub

Little hands will start working together as they hold the 'shrub' and lift the lid, then peel and drop the bugs inside.

Grooved Pitcher & Glass

A growing sense of independence fosters greater coordination as they work to pour water to fill the cup.

The Buckle Barrel

Concentration leads to the practice of buckling and unbuckling to build bilateral coordination and finger strength.

More beloved toys for toddlers

Encourage everything from problem solving and pretend play to crawling and walking with these Lovevery essentials.

The Block Set

12 to 48+ months

The Pull Pup

The Organic Cotton Play Tunnel

Make the Most of Playtime

Take Out the Guesswork

Spend less time researching and more time connecting with your child. Our experts link brain science and Montessori to the way you play.

Right Toys, Right Time

Support your child’s learning during important developmental windows with play essentials that are tailored to their exact stage.

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19 Developmentally-Friendly Toys That’ll Keep Your 1-Year-Old Entertained All Day

What toys should my 1-year-old be playing with.

In choosing toys for a particular age group, consider the ones that fit their developmental milestones. As your 1-year-old transitions from being a baby to a toddler, they begin their journey with literally shaky steps. Choose toys to support standing up and walking.

Examples are push toys (such as the Fisher-Price Busy Activity Walker) they can hold while learning to walk. A pull toy (like the Fisher-Price Little People Big Yellow School Bus) also encourages them to walk.

Yet aside from motor skills, it’s a good idea to offer toys for toddler learning .

At 12 months, they’re learning how to talk. So talking toys or books can be ideal for this age group. Because kids love to imitate adults, toy vacuum cleaners or kitchen playsets are great for this age.

You don’t always need toys because toddlers also enjoy playing peek-a-boo or chasing games.

Our 19 Recommended Toys and Gift Ideas For 1-Year-Olds

Here’s a gift guide to 19 of the best toys for 1-year-olds you can pick for your baby’s first birthday.

Montessori -Inspired Toys

Lovevery the block set.

• Best features: 70 pieces, including threading blocks and toggle string
• Product safety: Water-based paint and finishes
• Materials: Sustainably harvested FSC-certified wood
• Type of toy: Educational
• Age range: 18-48+ months
• Extra features: Includes pieces to create a cart, little people figures, and a drawstring bag
• Certification: FSC
• Product recall: None
• Cons: It’s pricier than equivalent plastic block sets. For example, Mega Bloks playset (80 pcs) costs $19.99.

LOVEVERY The Thinker Play Kit

• Best features: Promotes thinking, pretend play, hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp and hand strength, and problem-solving
• Product safety: Free from heavy elements and phthalates
• Materials: Organic cotton baby doll and sustainably-harvested wood toys
• Type of toy: Educational toy subscription
• Age range: 11-12 months
• Extra features: Includes organic cotton sensory pouch, mini books, balls, puzzles, and other learning materials
• Certification: FSC and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (products with this certification passed at least 100 tests to check for toxic chemicals) (1)
• Cons: It can be pricey.

LOVEVERY The Babbler Play Kit

• Best features: Promotes learning about balance, cause and effect, spatial awareness, and object permanence
• Materials: Sustainably-harvested wood toys
• Age range: 13-15 months
• Extra features: Includes board books, wooden stacker and puzzles, and other learning materials
• Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and FSC

Other STEM Toys

Step2 waterfall discovery wall, key features.

• Best features: Two-sided toy with buckets, water wheels, and slides for fun and learning
• Product safety: Free from phthalates, BPA (bisphenol-A), or VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• Materials: Polypropylene and/or polyethylene plastic
• Type of toy: Water activity center
• Educational value: Science concepts like motion, gravity, and cause and effect relationships
• Age range: 18+ months
• Extra features: Your child can also use pasta, beans, sand, or other materials for sensory exploration
• Certification: ASTM F-963 Toy Safety Standards
• Cons: No pre-drilled holes

Fat Brain Toys Boon Pipes Building Bath Toy Multicolor

• Best features: Pipes with unique shapes and functions, including a water wheel and corkscrew design for building waterfall chains
• Product safety: Free from BPA
• Materials: BPA-free plastic
• Educational value: For engineering skills, spatial reasoning, creativity, and fine motor skills
• Age range: 1+ years old
• Extra features: Suction cups to stick to bathroom walls for bathtime play
• Certification: ASTM, European Safety Standards Commission, International Council of Toy Industries, CPSC
• Cons: Some complaints about the suction cups not working well

Toys That Help Develop Cognitive Skills

Grimm’s spiel & holz natural wooden rainbow (small).

• Best features: Waldorf-inspired European design with six rainbow pieces for stacking
• Product safety: Non-toxic plant-based oil finish
• Materials: Limewood
• Educational value: For sorting, building, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness
• Extra features: Available in natural brown or colorful pieces
• Certification: ASTM Toy Safety Standards and European (EN71-3) standards

Nature Baby Water Waves

• Best features: Hand-carved wavy wood blocks that can represent waves, hills, tunnels, or other things
• Product safety: Non-toxic water-based dyes
• Materials: Natural, sustainable wood
• Educational value: Imaginative play
• Extra features: Different shades of green and blue

Maple Landmark Engraved ABC Blocks

• Best features: Wooden blocks with carved letters on each side
• Product safety: Natural finish, without paint
• Materials: Sustainably harvested maple hardwood
• Educational value: Fine motor skills and early reading
• Extra features: Includes a wooden box
• Certification: CPSC
• Cons: It can be pricier than plastic blocks.

Toys That Promote Sensory Skills

Manhattan toys skwish natural.

• Best features: Springy, rebounding elastic hold teether rods and beads together
• Product safety: Non-toxic water-based finishing
• Materials: Sustainable rubberwood
• Type of toy: Teether toy
• Educational value: Gross motor skills for tiny hands
• Age range: 0+ years old
• Extra features: Beads slide and rattle
• Certification: European EN71 and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) safety regulations
• Cons: It’s important to check the toy for signs of cracked pieces of weak string to avoid choking risks.

Bannor Toys Wooden Toy Keys

• Best features: Set of three wooden keys
• Product safety: Finishing made of organic beeswax and flaxseed oil
• Materials: Cherry, maple, and walnut wood
• Type of toy: Pretend keys
• Extra features: It can be customized or engraved with names
• Certification: ASTM F963-11 and CPSC

Toys That Promote Hand-Eye Coordination

Green toys shape sorter.

• Best features: This colorful shape sorter is made from recycled materials.
• Product safety: Food-safe plastic; free from BPA, phthalates or PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• Materials: 100% recycled plastic milk jugs
• Type of toy: Puzzle & shape sorter
• Educational value: Problem-solving, eye-hand coordination, and fine and gross motor skill development
• Extra features: Jumbo pieces for tiny hands
• Cons: Some complaints about strong odor and difficult-to-clean hollow block parts

Plantoys Hammer Balls

• Best features: Wood platform with balls designed for hammering
• Product safety: Free from formaldehyde, lead, or other heavy metals
• Materials: Reclaimed and reused rubberwood with organic color pigment and water-based dyes
• Educational value: Logical thinking, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills
• Age range: 12+ months
• Certification: ASTM and European EN71

VTech Latches and Doors Busy Board

• Best features: Colorful educational toy with built-in carrying case
• Product safety: Class 1 LED product (for safe laser or light products)
• Materials: Plastic
• Type of toy: Educational and sensory toy
• Educational value: Alphabet, counting, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills
• Age range: 12-36 months
• Extra features: It can be used with or without batteries.
• Certification: ASTM, CPSC, and Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations
• Cons: Requires batteries to play the music.

Apple Park Organic Knit Plush – Fox

• Best features: Organic fox plushie with plaid pants
• Product safety: OEKO-TEX 100 eco-friendly dyes, free from phthalates
• Materials: 100% organic cotton knit, filled with organic cotton and corn husk fiber
• Type of toy: Plushie
• Extra features: Embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth
• Certification: ASTM F963 and European EN71
• Cons: Pricier than other plushies

Tikiri Aria Organic Doll

• Best features: Soft body doll
• Product safety: Non-toxic, organic 100 material (100% organic)
• Materials: Organic cloth with recycled polyester filling
• Type of toy: Baby doll
• Age range: 0+ months old
• Extra features: Dress with bird embroidery
• Certification: European EN71 and US ASTM F963 Standards
• Cons: Doesn’t have hair

Our Green House Organic Stuffed Animal Sheep

• Best features: Handmade organic plushie
• Product safety: Organic materials
• Materials: Organic cotton yarn and OEKO-TEX certified polyester stuffing
• Type of toy: Animal plushie
• Educational value: Pretend play
• Extra features: Handmade plushie made by stay-at-home moms who were refugees from Syria and now living in Istanbul, Turkey
• Certification: OEKO-TEX
• Cons: It can be pricier than other plushies. For example, TeeTurtle plushies cost around $15.

Pretend Or Make-believe Toys

Under the nile fruit tote gift set.

• Best features: Colorful fruit basket
• Product safety: Free from AZO dyes, PVC, lead, phosphates, optimal whiteners, bleach, chlorine, or petroleum-based surfactants and chemicals
• Materials: 100% organic Egyptian cotton
• Type of toy: Plushie make-believe toys
• Extra features: Sustainably made from leftover clothing production scraps
• Certification: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and Gold Egyptian Seal of authentic premium Egyptian cotton

Tikiri Midnight Dragon – Organic Natural Rubber Rattle

• Best features: Magical dragon rattle and plushie
• Product safety: Non-toxic and free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC
• Materials: 100% organic natural rubber and cotton fabrics
• Type of toy: Rattle, plushie, and teether
• Extra features: Hand-painted with soy-based ink with parts that can soothe teething gums
• Certification: European EN71, US ASTM F963, and Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act
• Cons: Some complaints about a sloppy paint job

Finn + Emma Rattle Buddy

• Best features: Vintage-inspired flying pig
• Product safety: Free from phthalates
• Materials: Certified 100% organic cotton with non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes
• Type of toy: Plushie with rattle
• Extra features: Hand-knit and ethically made
• Certification: GOTS
• Cons: Some complaints about strong scent (goes away after washing)

Factors To Consider When Buying Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Babies love to put things in their mouths, even past the teething stage. So, it’s important to avoid choking hazards and provide them with toys made from non-toxic materials.

Check the following safety concerns:

Product Recalls

Before buying any toy, check for recent product recalls. You can use the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) page for product recalls or do an online search using the brand and toy name. (2)

Often, recalls involving toys are about safety hazards or risks. For example, LeapFrog My Pal Scout Electronic Plush Toy Dogs were recalled in July 2009 for paw decals that might detach, posing a choking risk. (3)

In October 2020, MorfBoard Skate & Scoot Combo scooters were recalled because the “Y” handlebars can break, posing a fall risk. (4)

Choking Risks

Toys must be at least 1¼ inches in diameter or 2¼ inches in length to ensure that they’re too large for your baby to choke on. However, be careful of parts that can detach from larger toys or loose screws, nuts, and bolts. (5)

Avoid small, hard, and round objects such as marbles, games with small balls, or coins even if they’re larger than 1¼ inches in diameter. Choose those larger than 1.75 inches in diameter because smaller ones can get stuck in their throat.

Check soft toys and baby dolls for safety pins, loose buttons, or detached parts that can become choking hazards.

As a rule of thumb, pick jumbo versions for baby toys . They can make playtime safer for your little one. Plus, these can be easier to hold with little hands.

Batteries (Choking Hazard & Toxic When Swallowed)

Be extra careful with toys that have small, circular batteries. Although most of these have battery cases secured by screws, your child might accidentally pry these open with another toy. These shiny things look appealing but very dangerous to kids. If swallowed, they can lead to death from poisoning. (6)

It’s challenging to determine a child’s cause of sickness, especially because the symptoms can be similar to other illnesses: (6)(7)

• Pain in the affected area (e.g., tummy, nose, ears, etc.)
• Trouble breathing
• Trouble swallowing
• No appetite
• Drooling or salivating
• Coughing and gagging when eating

If you suspect that your baby ingested a battery, immediately bring them to the hospital. Give your child honey as a first-aid measure, but if there’s none on hand, don’t delay rushing them to the ER to look for honey. (7)

Although children below one year of age should avoid honey due to botulism risks (a bacterial infection), there may be a higher risk of poisoning than bacterial infection if they ingested a battery. (7)

You can give them 2 tbsp of honey if they can swallow liquids, and it’s within 12 hours from swallowing the battery. (7)

Avoid toys with magnets because these can also be easily swallowed and can cause abdominal pain due to blockage or stacking together in your child’s tummy. (7)

Symptoms can include: (7)

• Aching tummy

Riding Toys

Check the manufacturer’s recommendation. Although most riding toys let your child sit unsupported, some might require safety belts or harnesses.

Lead & Other Harmful, Toxic Chemicals or Materials To Avoid

Check the label. Avoid toys with lead, often found in paint. Lead poisoning symptoms can include: (7)

• Fatigue (lack of energy)
• Behavioral changes

If you’re buying wooden blocks or wooden puzzles, choose those made with lead-free paint. For example, Hape Shape Sorting Box is an educational toy made of wood with a child-safe paint finish.

Bright colors are appealing to kids, but their safety comes first. If possible, choose the ones that don’t have any paint if you can’t find lead-free painted toys.

Always check the label to avoid toys with these toxic chemicals, which can cause increased risks for cancer, premature puberty, fertility problems, hyperactivity, aggressiveness or other behavioral problems, and liver or kidney dysfunction: (8)

• BPA (bisphenol-A) and other polycarbonates (BPS or bisphenol-S)
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
• Formaldehyde
• Polystyrene (commonly known as styrofoam)
• Flame retardant chemicals – PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane), OPFRs (organophosphate flame retardants), TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A), TDCPP or tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate; and TCEP or tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (9)(10)
• Carcinogenic dyes (like AZO dyes) (11)

Better Alternatives

• Uncoated, unpainted, or unfinished wood
• Wood finished with natural oils or waxes (e.g., beeswax or walnut oil)
• Washable fabrics
• Food grade silicone
• Polypropylene – a plastic option that may be safer for kids (12)
• Natural rubber – they’re free from BPA and PVC but check for signs of allergic reactions (hives, itchy welts, trouble breathing, nausea, runny nose, or skin redness) (13)

Certifications

Manufacturers have their quality certifications, but the following independent certificates show that your baby’s tiny hands play with non-toxic and eco-friendly toys:

• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International F-963 Toy Safety Standards – tests for toxic chemicals (e.g., heavy metals like lead and cadmium), labeling or safety warning requirements, material quality, etc. (14)
• CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) – tests toys to ensure they meet safety standards for different factors, including flammability, sound pressure levels for toys that produce sound, choking hazards, etc. (15)
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – products with this certification passed at least 100 tests to check for toxic chemicals (1)
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – the international textile processing standard for organic fibers (covers all processing stages, from raw materials to distribution) (16)
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – eco-friendly products from responsibly managed forests (17)
• PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) – Look for the green tree logo, which signifies that the wooden toys come from sustainably managed forests (18)
• Rainforest Alliance – Look for the frog seal, which means that the brand meets the standards for natural resource conservation, worker and wildlife protection, and financial viability of farms (19)
• Class 1 LED product (for safe laser or light products) (20)

Other Toy Dangers To Watch Out For

Aside from the hazards mentioned above, it’s also important to keep these toys away from your one-year-old’s reach: (5)(21)

• Shooting or projectile toys, even if the play bullets are made of soft foam
• Toys in a plastic bag (suffocation risk)
• Toy chests without air holes or those without lid support; it’s better to choose a toy chest without a lid
• Damaged or broken toys (always check for splinters, cracks, loose buttons or screws, sharp points or edges, and pinch points)
• Toys that make loud noises or move fast
• Electric toys
• Toys made of glass or brittle plastic
• Any object not meant to be used as a toy (especially safety hazards like scissors, matches, fireworks, and crafting materials)

Educational Value

Kids can learn while having fun with toys like Melissa & Doug knob puzzles, 2-in-1 talking ball learning toys, or soft activity books like The Wonderful World of Peekaboo !

Montessori -inspired toys are made using natural materials like wood, cotton, rocks, or metal that encourage learning through play. These toys don’t make artificial sounds or light up. 

These toys are rooted in reality for kids to manipulate with their hands, developing their fine motor skills. 

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) toys encourage them to have fun while also learning about science concepts. Examples are cause and effect toys (such as a pound and tap bench that makes a sound when the toy hammer hits).

Another good example is the Step2 Waterfall Discovery Wall, which encourages sensory exploration. It also lets your child learn the basics of gravity, force, and motion (because they can follow the water movement and toys from the buckets).

Kids have different interests, but this can greatly vary with age.

For example, you might notice that your one-year-old loves stacking toys and activity cubes, but your 5-year-old doesn’t like playing with them. An older child might prefer a balance bike, stroller, or another ride-on toy.

Your 6-year-old might be more interested in musical instruments like pianos and string instruments, but a one-year-old might be content with a tap bench or simple xylophone.

Sometimes, toys can grow with your kids. For example, building blocks, stackers (such as stacking cups), dolls, or toy figures can be shared with 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds . But even as 4-year-olds (or older), they can find other uses for these toys or play with them in more sophisticated ways (such as building more elaborate castles.

What’s The Best Gift For A One-Year-Old Girl?

Kids’ interests can vary based on gender, but many parents typically give baby dolls and musical toys to baby girls. However, you can also let them play with blocks, pull toys, and all the other toys we listed in this review.

What Kind Of Gift Do You Get A One-Year-Old Boy?

Some parents prefer giving typical toys for baby boys, such as cars, but excluding baby dolls and “girly” stuff. But the Montessori-based toys, STEM toys, and many of the toys we list in this review can be great as gifts for your one-year-old boy.

Quality & Durability

You can find plenty of cheap toys from Amazon or even Walmart and Target. However, it might not be safe to make price your deciding factor.

It’s easier to gauge the quality and durability of a toy if you’re buying it at the store. But if you’re buying online, it’s good to read the reviews and do your due diligence.

Other Learning Toys For Different Age Groups

• Best educational toys
• Best toys for a 2 year old
• DIY Montessori toys
• Educational toys
• Educational baby toys
• Educational toys for toddlers
• Educational toys for 2-year-olds
• Educational toys for 3-year-olds
• Educational toys for 4-year-olds
• Educational toys for 5-year-olds
• Educational toys for 6-year-olds
• Educational toys for 7- year-olds
• Educational toys for 8- year-olds
• Montessori baby toys
• Montessori climbing toys
• Montessori toys
• Montessori toys for toddlers
• Montessori toys for 1-year-olds
• Montessori toys for 3-year-olds
• Montessori toys for 4-year-olds
• Montessori wooden toys
• Outdoor toys for 1-year-olds
• Toys for 2-year-olds
• Toys for 6-year-old boys
• Wooden educational toys

Toy Recalls To Monitor

• Calico Critters recall (2023)
• Kids Preferred recall (2023)
• Target Toy recall (2022)
• Haba recall (2022)
• Kidoozie Play Tent recall (2022)
• Monti Kids recall (2022)

(1) https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/apply-here/standard-100-by-oeko-tex

(2) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

(3) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2009/ leapfrog -recalls-electronic-plush-toys-due-to-choking-hazard

(4) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Jakks-Pacific-Recalls-to-Repair-Morfboard-Skate- Scoot -Scooters-Due-to-Fall-Hazard

(5) https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safetoys-young.html

(6) https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Button-Battery-Injuries-in-Children-A-Growing-Risk.aspx

(7) https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?Hwid=sig154413

(8) https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/resources/resources_pdf/Plastics_and_Plastic_Toys_7_14.pdf

(9) https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm

(10) https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DCP/migrated-docs/FlameRetardantFactSheetpdf.pdf?la=en

(11) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15177655/

(12) https://www.greenchildmagazine.com/plastic-toys/

(13) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/latex-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20374287

(14) https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Toy-Safety/ASTM-F-963-Chart

(15) https://www.cpsc.gov/Regulations-Laws–Standards/Voluntary-Standards/Topics/Toys

(16) https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features

(17) https://us.fsc.org/en-us/certification

(18) https://pefc.org/discover-pefc/what-is-pefc

(19) https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/about/

(20) https://www.ledsmagazine.com/smart-lighting-iot/smart-cities/article/16696386/leds-are-safe-fact-or-fiction

(21) https://cchp.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra181/f/ToySafetyChecklist.pdf

– Motherhood Community is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Related Posts

55+ must-have toys & books for 2-year-olds: boost learning, spark imagination, and keep them active, cpsc annual report on toy deaths and injuries in 2022: which ones are the most dangerous, the 17 best educational baby toys for early learning & development, 21 educational toys for 8-year-olds (science kits, engineering sets, & more), our ultimate gift guide: 28 educational toys for 7-year-olds (best for child development).

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12 best development toys for 1 to 2-year-olds that aid learning

From building blocks to trikes and a clapping monkey, inspire your little one’s imagination and creativity, article bookmarked.

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Children change so much all the time and the words “everything’s a phase” is something that has come out of every sleep-deprived parent’s mouth at some point.

But the switch from baby to toddler – which happens around after the age of one – opens up a whole new world for children and their long-suffering parents.

It’s between these two birthdays that children typically learn how to walk and talk; and their personalities start to emerge. There’s a lot going on in their brains as they’re taking in the world around them and learning new things every day.

Toys start to take on a new meaning, as you’ll notice that your child begins to play with them differently – perhaps beginning to understand that blocks can be stacked on top of each other; that a particular shape fits through a hole; or that a toy will make a sound if pressed in the right way.

It’s fascinating to watch them learn these skills, especially when you’ve spent the past year slumped over several large cups of coffee.

• 8 best baby nests to soothe your baby into a peaceful sleep
• 10 best baby bibs for feeding and weaning your little one
• 9 best high chairs for babies and toddlers
• 8 best Montessori toys that encourages imaginative play

“By this age, it’s likely that your one-year-old is already infinitely curious and craving exploration, especially of objects from the real world,” says Jessica Rolph, co-founder and CEO of Lovevery, a company that makes stage-based toys for babies and toddlers.

“We recommend simple, thoughtfully designed play things, created from real materials like wood to encourage deeper, more imaginative play.

“Research suggests that playing environments featuring natural elements help children concentrate, focus, and even calm down, which can be enormously beneficial to their cognitive development.”

We tested these development toys on a 13-month-old baby –who typically gravitates towards brightly coloured toys that can be bashed together to make a noise – and an 18-month-old baby tested the toys that are geared towards babies nearer two. Taking into account cost, the range of activities offered and whether they entertained the children for periods – every parent’s holy grail – we’ve compiled a list of the best toys available.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Lovevery the block set

This 70-block set, from child development experts Lovevery, is one of the most comprehensive kids’ toys on the market. Solid wood blocks in varying shapes and colours are ideal for building spatial and problem-solving skills. With this gorgeously designed set, children can build towers, thread blocks together, build a car to pull along and jump over hurdles – there’s little they can’t do.

Its parts can also help children understand concepts such as gravity and velocity, not that our tests came anywhere near that: my son preferred banging the blocks together and babbling happily as he did so. In short, this stylish set, which also packs up neatly, is a real investment piece (note the price tag: perfect for a grandparent gift) that is suitable for any children one year and above.

Little Dutch pure & nature wooden race track

This wooden car set, designed with a very Scandinavian sensibility, is ideal to improve little ones’ coordination. The vertical stacked race track comes with four tiny cars that are released at the top and shoot down to the bottom. Our 13-month-old watched carefully as we showed him how to do it, then impressively placed the cars on the top track and watched them zoom down to the bottom, which kept him amused for minutes at a time. The four small cars themselves make a great toy on their own, too. Made in pastel-coloured wood, the race track is also very aesthetically pleasing.

Oyoy abacus rainbow

A gender-neutral toy in muted pastel tones, this gorgeous abacus rainbow from Nordic brand Oyoy is just as much a lovely nursery decoration as it is a developmental toy. Older children will enjoy counting the beads strung on the metal; while younger children can work on their fine motor skills by pushing the beads from one side of the abacus to the other. For parents looking for an extra-special birthday gift with the added bonus of improving motor skills and coordination, this abacus would be an ideal candidate.

Baby Gund clappy the animated monkey

Any parent will know that singing and clapping is a big part of childcare, as it encourages social development skills. This plush monkey from US brand Baby Gund sings and claps in two modes (including a cute rendition of If You’re Happy and You Know It ), which delighted our little one, who was focused on copying the monkey’s movements. As it’s so huggable, the monkey doubled up as a comforter. Suitable from 10 months.

Lalaboom educational beads and accessories

There’s not much you can’t do with this plastic accessory set, which comes in at a very attractive price. There are 24 different plastic pieces, which hook together in various ways, whether that’s screwed, clipped or laced together.

The set, designed with Montessori principles, is designed to grow with your child: as they get older they will evolve from banging the beads together to understanding how to lace or screw them to one another. They’re brightly coloured and differently textured, which is perfect for developing creative minds and uitable from 10 months onwards.

Miffy wooden train set

The classic kids character Miffy is the motif on this sweet wooden train set, which encourages development of kids’ hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The train and carriages are made up of various wooden segments, which can be stacked and clipped together, some of which are emblazoned with Miffy characters. A nice toy for parents who have had enough of primary coloured plastic.

Chicco ABC Sam the pop up mole

This bilingual musical toy aims to teach children aged 10 months and over basic language skills in English and French. The colourful shapes on the front can be slotted into place to make the mole pop up, and it sings both ABC and 123 in French. However, the sound is very quiet (the speaker is on the bottom of the toy) which wasn’t ideal.

Lamaze 3-in-1 airtivity center

This hardworking play table, suitable from six months, is guaranteed to keep little ones entertained while they learn. Promoting visual development, tactile processing, motor skills as well as problem solving, the ocean-themed air table does a variety of things including making plastic sea creatures “swim” around the table, all while playing a real earworm of a tune. The toys either spin, wave or rattle, thanks to the air power.

The table was a great source of entertainment for our 13-month-old and helped keep his attention during a nappy change, which was priceless for us. The only downside is that it takes up a lot of room.

Halilit baby’s first birthday band musical instrument gift set

We’ve found that musical toys are an instant hit with young children, as they love to bang them together to make different noises (oh, the noise…). This cute set is a great starting point for younger babies – it’s suitable from 12 months – and includes several easy-to-grip instruments including a rattle, a shaker and a bell to help develop children’s musical abilities.

John Adams playing blocks

Developing hand-eye coordination is the name of the game with these vibrantly coloured “fun bricks” from games expert John Adams. The bricks come in all shapes and colours, including wheels and characters for role play, that slot together; and they’re easy to hold and handle, perfect for developing hands.

They’re suitable for children 18 months and up, although we found that younger children could enjoy banging them together too. Parents, be warned, make sure you tidy them away at the end of the day: they have a habit of ending up everywhere.

Micro XL trike

Kids need to work on their physical development as well as their intellectual and social skills, which is where this trike comes in. It helps to develop all kinds of things including posture and balance as well as coordination; and is a good halfway point for children who aren’t confident movers yet.

The XL version, which comes in snazzy colours including red and aqua, comes with a harness, which should put parents’ minds at ease when zipping younger kids around on it. We loved how easy it was to install and store (it folds up super flat and can be easily stuck in a cupboard) and how smooth it was to push along both in the house and on the street. Parents have total control thanks to the slick long handle; and we found the children were delighted by being out of the constraints of the buggy for once, and loved how independent they were.

Kid’s Concept sorting box

You can rely on stylish children’s website Alex and Alexa to stock good toys, and this sorting box from Nordic brand Kids’ Concept is no exception. Made of light plywood, the simple box comes with punched shapes – including a star, hexagon and triangle – that wooden blocks fit through.

It’s an elegant, clever toy that encourages children to match the shape with the correct hole – even though our little one had more fun pulling the blocks out of the box and putting them back in. The box doubles as storage for the shapes when not in use, and it looks neat on a shelf. It’s a popular piece and is expected to restock on 19 April.

The verdict: Development toys for 1 to 2 year olds

It comes with a hefty price tag, but Lovevery’s heirloom block set ticks all the boxes for toddler development, plus it looks gorgeous. For development toys on the lower end, we loved the Little Dutch wooden race track and the Lalaboom educational beads .

Encouraging imaginative play, here are the best Montessori toys for hours of fun

50 Developmentally Appropriate Activities for 1-Year-Olds

Gone are the days when you could lie on the couch with your baby all day long. Around the age of one, babies are quickly turning into toddlers. With longer wake windows and more curiosity, it’s important to keep them engaged in activities that encourage their development.

We have 50 activities for 1-year-olds to keep them entertained and learning various skills. Whether you want to advance their gross motor skills, language or encourage play, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll share what you need and how to approach each activity. Soon, you’ll have loads of ideas for how to keep your little one busy between naps!

Key Takeaways

• Entertain with a busy board: Attach various items like zippers, latches, and wheels to a wooden board for fine motor skill development.
• Encourage musical creativity: Provide pots, pans, spoons, and toy drums for your child to make music and improve coordination.
• Create a drop box: Use an empty tissue box and give your child items to slot into the top for a quick and easy activity.
• Stacking cups: Offer plastic cups for stacking and knocking over to improve visual and motor skills, and color coordination.

50 Activities for 1-Year-Olds

How to choose an activity for your 1-year-old, faqs about activities for 1-year-olds, helping your one-year-old thrive.

Entertaining a one-year-old can be tricky. We’ve been there! That’s why we’ve put together a list of 50 ideas, so you’re sure to find a few that work brilliantly for your child.

1. Busy Board

What You’ll Need

• Wooden board (MDF fiberboard works).
• Screwdriver.
• Liquid glue.
• Shoelace strings.
• And more busy board items!

A busy board will entertain your child and build their fine motor skills . You can attach anything to a busy board before propping it up somewhere safe and letting your child explore. If you can’t make your own busy board, you can buy them online .

2. Making Music

• Musical instruments.

Our little one loved making music around this age! Whether you buy them a musical instrument made for toddlers or let them DIY the beats using kitchen utensils, either will improve their coordination and experimentation with music.

3. Drop Box

• Empty tissue box.
• Items to drop in the box like crayons, playing cards, or toys.

This activity is super easy to quickly prepare when you need to unload the dishwasher or make a phone call. Empty out a tissue box and give your child items to slot into the top. Just ensure the items aren’t too small — no choking hazards, please!

4. Stacking Cups

• Plastic cups.

You can use plastic cups you already have in the house or buy specific stacking cup toys . At this age, toddlers will enjoy experimenting with the shapes, stacking them up, and knocking them over. This improves visual and motor skills and color coordination, and it’s just plain old fun!

5. Rubber Duck Painting

• A few rubber duck toys.
• Painting apron.

Does your little one love rubber ducks? Our toddler didn’t let go of his rubber duck for months. You can turn this into a painting activity by providing paint and paper. Prop your child in their highchair with a painting apron and let them dip the duck into the paint. Then they can dot the duck onto the paper, creating abstract art!

6. Ball Pit

• A ball pit.
• Ball pit balls.

A ball pit will delight most one-year-olds, so you can’t go wrong with this idea! Once they get older, you can use the balls to teach colors and play matching games.

You need a few hundred balls to ensure the pit is deep. We bought 100 balls for our ball pit, and it barely covered the floor surface area! 400 to 500 is best.

7. Homemade Play Dough

• Two cups of all-purpose flour.
• ¾ cup of salt.
• Four teaspoons of cream of tartar.
• Two cups of lukewarm water.
• Two tablespoons of vegetable or coconut oil.
• Food coloring (optional).

Since kids can’t play with Play-Doh until they’re two, you can make your own from scratch. If they take a bite, it won’t harm them. This is best for 15 months onwards and will improve your child’s finger strength, imagination, and fine motor skills.

8. Interactive Storytime

• Props to go along with the book.

Simple storytelling is always a good plan. But you can make it more exciting by turning it into an interactive experience. That might mean getting props to go along with the book or asking your 1-year-old what sound the various animals in the book make!

9. Sticker Books

• Sticker book.

At this age, your little one has probably perfected their pincer grip. Give them a fun challenge by exploring sticker books together! Just make sure you’re always nearby in case they put stickers in their mouth.

10. Scooping Station

• Activity table or buckets.
• Taste-safe items like Cheerios or oats.
• Toys to put in the food.

Set up a scooping station for your one-year-old. This is best closer to 18 months, but your child can experiment at any time. The idea is they learn to scoop the items from one bucket or tray to another, developing their fine motor skills and concentration.

11. Egg Carton Straw Puzzle

• Empty egg carton
• Straws or cotton buds.

Use a knife to poke holes in the bottom of an egg carton. Then give your toddler straws or cotton buds to poke through the holes. This tricky activity will challenge their little minds and improve hand-eye coordination!

12. Call a Friend

By now, your little one is probably super curious about the phone. Play pretend by making phone calls to everyone they love, their favorite animals and characters. If you make silly voices and have a toy phone of your own to make calls back, they will absolutely love this!

12. Drive and Drop

• Cardboard box.

Does your little one love cars ? Turn it into an interactive game by cutting out a slot in a cardboard box. Let your little one drive the car along the box before dropping it into the hole. This activity is fantastic for encouraging pretend play, building small hand muscles, and working on independent play.

13. Fridge Magnets

• Paper (optional).

If you don’t like building projects, here’s a more straightforward idea.

The first time our son discovered magnets, he was mesmerized! He was kept busy for almost two hours. Let your little one explore fridge magnets and what they can and can’t stick to. Give them some paper to try and hang up, too. This is a fun extra challenge for them!

14. Jumbo Puzzles

• Thick paper.
• Crayons or pens.
• Or buy a jumbo puzzle .

You can buy jumbo puzzles (we recommend starting with 4-piece puzzles) or make your own. Draw something recognizable — like a ball or rubber duck — on a piece of thick paper or cardboard.

Cut it into two pieces and let your toddler put them back together. Once they get the hang of it, cut it into three pieces, then four, and so forth!

15. Peekaboo Puzzle

• Wooden peg puzzle.
• Photographs your baby will love (maybe their favorite family members).

Cut out photos, making them line up with each individual shape on the peg puzzle. Then glue them down to the board, covering them up with the various wooden shapes. Give the puzzle to your toddler and watch them be amazed when they reveal grandma’s face!

16. Muffin Tin Sorting

• Muffin tins.
• Another plastic container.
• Items for the muffin tins, such as pom pom balls, toy food, or cupcake liners.

Muffin tins are fantastic for letting your child work on their organizational skills. Our little one loves putting the cupcake liners in the various slots. But you could give your child some pretend fruit to organize. Encourage them to have one row for orange items, one for green, and so on!

17. Nature Walk

• Appropriate footwear.
• Outdoor clothes.
• A stroller or sling.

Who says you need to stay at home for these activities?

Now that your little one is on their way to toddling, getting outside in nature is a lovely way to pass the time. It will also blossom their love for the outdoors.

Bring a stroller or sling in case they don’t like wandering themselves. But the first time they can roam around the forest, picking up sticks or playing in the dirt will be a magical experience for them.

18. Clean Up

• Containers for toys.
• Pretend vacuum.

Encourage your little one to help clean up. Put on the “Clean Up” song and show them how to put the various toys away. Once the room is tidy, they can help with sweeping, dusting, or pretending to vacuum! If your little one is in a daycare setting often, they might already be a pro at this.

19. Flashlight Hunt

• Flashlight.

Dim the lights and give your little one a flashlight. Once they have figured out how to turn it on, show them how to shine it on various objects. Each time they illuminate something, state the name of it to help strengthen their vocabulary.

20. Ziploc Painting (Mess Free)

• Ziploc bag.

Do you want to encourage your 1-year-old’s art skills but also want to avoid mess? This is the perfect activity to try. Put a piece of paper or canvas inside a Ziploc bag. Pour some paint onto the canvas or paper and secure the Ziploc bag.

Tape it to a surface or window and let your toddler use their fingers to move the paint around. Once they’re done, take the paper out, let it dry, and marvel at your toddler’s masterpiece!

21. Water Play

• Activity table or sink.
• Water-safe toys, spoons, and cups.

This is a splashing activity for little ones! Fill a sink or activity table with water, dump in a bunch of toys, spoons , and cups, and let your child explore what they can do. You can make up games to show them, too, such as does it float or does it sink?

Make sure you supervise them at all times when they are playing with water. Even though it’s just shallow water, it’s crucial you’re always nearby in case of emergencies.

22. Clothespinning

• Clothespins.
• Paper rolls.

Attach some clothespins to a few paper rolls and give them to your child. They can experiment with removing all the clothespins. They might be too young to put them back on, but they can try putting them through the tube, then collecting them into a bowl. Then you can put them back on the paper roll and begin again!

23. Sock Puppets

• Arts and crafts supplies (like buttons, googly eyes, and fabric).
• Needle and thread.

While your child is asleep, prepare sock puppets. You can add hair, googly eyes, and felt lipstick. You can simply use plain socks if you’re not crafty (like me!). Your child will still love it.

When telling them a story the next day, use the sock puppet to act out the scenes. Your child might also want to try wearing the sock puppet, which can be hilarious.

24. Sound Sensory Jars

• Old plastic containers.
• Popcorn kernels.
• Other items for the jars.

Fill up some old plastic containers with various items — like water, coins, beads, and more. Make sure the jar is secure, so your one-year-old can’t open it. Let them shake the jars and enjoy the various sounds they hear. Once they get older, you can shake it for them and ask them to guess what is inside the jar!

25. Sensory Bags

• Ziploc bags.
• Regular tape.
• Sensory textures.
• More items for inside the bags!

Sensory bags are tons of fun for one-year-olds, but they also work for babies and older toddlers. Fill a heavy-duty bag with various items, like gel, liquid, confetti, and more. Squeeze all the air out of the bag (so it doesn’t pop) and zip it shut. Secure the opening with duct tape. Then tape the bags to a window, wall, or floor and let your little one explore.

26. Make a Sticky Wall

• Clear contact paper.

Tape clear contact paper to a wall with the sticky side facing out. We recommend doing this outside so that the tape doesn’t peel off interior paint, but it does work indoors too!

Give your toddler the challenge of finding some objects and sticking them to the paper. Even if they’re too young to find objects, they will enjoy sticking random things to the paper and pulling them off again!

27. Obstacle Crawl

• Objects they can crawl under or over.
• Cardboard boxes.

Indoors or outdoors, you can create an obstacle crawl for your one-year-old that isn’t yet walking. Use tunnels and tents to challenge them. If you don’t have a tunnel, create your own with old cardboard boxes.

28. Visit a Play Area

• Grippy socks.

If you have a one-year-old, you’ll understand the importance of getting out of the house from time to time. At this age, your little one will love exploring play areas. Look for one local to you suitable for crawlers and toddlers. Make sure you pack grippy socks to minimize accidents and trips!

29. Water the Plants

• Child-friendly watering can.
• Towel for spills.

At this age, your child is learning they can do more than ever before. Our son was fascinated with pouring at this age. Give them a watering can and show them how to water plants inside and outside. Keep a towel nearby for the inevitable spills.

30. Spoon and Ball Transfer

• Large spoon.
• Two buckets.

A spoon and ball transfer game is terrific for developing fine and gross motor skills. Fill a container with balls and give your one-year-old a large spoon. They can use the spoon to transfer the balls from one container to the other.

Place the two containers far apart from each other so your child can work on their walking and balancing skills. It might take them a while to figure it out, but they’ll have tons of fun once they get the hang of it.

31. Fetch Objects

• A list of objects.

Once your child has figured out different words and is beginning to respond to directions, this is a great game. Ask them to fetch your various objects around the house, like their shoes, their water bottle , or a book.

32. Ball Drop

• Old cylinder container with a lid.
• Or Drop Ball Tower toy .

You can buy a drop ball tower toy or make your own using an old cylinder container (like that from a packet of disinfecting wipes) and toy balls. Let your toddler drop the ball into the container and watch as they improve their hand-eye coordination!

33. Paper Roll Slide

• Toilet paper or paper towel rolls.
• Balls (like cotton balls or smaller toy balls).

When your little one is fast asleep, prepare this crafty game. Tape old paper rolls to the wall, making a chute. Use colorful tape to entice your child even more. When they wake up, show them how to drop a ball down the paper rolls. They will love this activity!

Anything that can fit inside a paper roll is considered a choking hazard at this age. So ensure they are always supervised when dropping the balls down the chute.

34. Washing Sensory Bin

• Activity table or large plastic container.
• Child-safe soap.
• Water-safe toys, like Duplo blocks.
• Sponge or scrubbing brush.

As you’ll have seen, sensory activities are fantastic for this age. Most kids are used to water by now since they have many baths! Fill an activity table or large plastic container with soapy water and put some of their toys inside.

Give them a sponge or scrubbing brush and show them how to clean the toys. Don’t expect them to come out spotless, but hopefully, they can help with the dishes in time!

35. Visit the Playground

• Outdoor shoes .
• First aid kit (in case of emergencies).

At the age of one, your little one will start to be intrigued by playgrounds. They’re too young to take full advantage of all the features, but they’ll love walking around and going on the swings. Take a first aid kit just in case of falls and scraped knees.

36. Toy Rescue

• Plastic container.

Pop a few toys inside a plastic container. Wrap ribbons around the container and challenge your one-year-old to take toys out of the box through the gaps. This improves their hand-eye coordination, and it’s a super easy (and cheap) activity for parents to make.

37. Go To a Kid’s Concert

• Ear defenders.
• Changing bag.

You can’t take your child to an adult gig quite yet, but there are gigs for kids! Usually, these are outdoors, but there are great indoor options too. The artists will play kid-friendly songs, and your little one can bop around.

38. Hide and Seek (With Objects)

• Objects to hide, such as a rubber duck or teddy bear.

This is a low-prep but engaging game for one-year-olds. Hide one of their favorite objects in silly places around the house. Start easy, like the corner of the room, then move to harder spots, like underneath a rug.

39. Shape Sorter

• Shape toys.
• Or buy a shape sorter toy .

This toy is a classic for a reason. Your toddler can learn various colors and shapes and how to match items together. Not only does this encourage problem-solving skills, but it also helps with fine motor skills.

If you don’t want to buy a shape sorter toy, you can make your own by cutting shapes into a cardboard box. Make sure you have objects to fit through each hole.

40. Walk On Contact Paper

Tape down some contact paper on the floor and let your one-year-old walk or crawl across it. This gives the child an engaging activity to learn about their body and different textures. Some might not like it, but you can keep trying until they see the fun in it.

41. Card Slot Drop

• Old cardboard container.
• Deck of cards.

Cut a narrow hole in the top of an old cardboard container. Give your toddler a deck of cards and show them how to slot them through the box. This is an excellent activity for building fine motor skills and dexterity. Keep it set up in their play area for them to use repeatedly.

42. Sticky Note Peek-a-Boo

• Sticky notes.
• A book or photo album.

If your little one loves lifting flaps in books, put sticky notes over their favorite images in stories. Or better yet, put them over pictures in your photo album. They can lift the flap and see images of their parents, grandparents, and themself!

43. Rainbow Spaghetti

• Cooked spaghetti.
• A few bowls.
• Food coloring.
• Large container or bucket.
• Waterproof toys.
• Spoons and utensils.

This slippery and slimy activity is so much fun for little ones. Plus, if they decide to eat the spaghetti, it’s totally safe. Dye each portion of spaghetti a different color, dump it into a large container, and toss in a few waterproof toys — like bath toys or fridge magnets. Let your little one explore the spaghetti, working on their independent play and motor skills.

44. Reflection Play

Entertaining your one-year-old doesn’t need to be a massive challenge with hours of prep. Set them up in front of a mirror and let them explore their reflection and different body parts. Point out their eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, and soon enough, they’ll be able to do the same to you!

45. Ballon Sticky Wall

• Contact paper.
• Various small balloons.

As you can tell from our list, contact paper is a great way to entertain one-year-olds! For this activity, stick some contact paper to the wall and blow up a few small balloons. Your little one will love sticking the balloons to the paper and taking them off again.

This activity also works with yarn. So cut up some pieces of thick yarn and show your toddler how to stick them to the paper.

46. Building Blocks

• Building blocks.
• A flat surface.

Every one-year-old should have a set of building blocks. Whether that’s Duplo blocks , Mega Bloks , or classic wooden blocks , this provides a great opportunity for open-ended and imaginative play.

47. Playing in Sprinklers

• Swimwear (optional).
• Garden hose.
• Sprinkler or water bottle.

Have some fun in the sun with your little one. If the weather is warm, your one-year-old will enjoy playing in the back garden. Set up a sprinkler or make your own by securing your garden hose to a water bottle and poking a few holes in the bottle. This sprinkler is a bit tamer, too, which is great for introducing water play to your toddler.

48. Indoor Bowling

• Bowling pins or plastic cups.

Indoor bowling is a fantastic activity as it strengthens hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Set up some pins or plastic cups and give your child a ball to throw toward the pins. It might take a while for them to figure this physical activity out, but once they do, they should be able to play this game independently so you can get on with stuff around the house.

49. Edible Sand Sensory Activity

• A food processor.

When planning things to do for a 1-year-old, you must be cautious that they will put anything in their mouth. So regular sand isn’t best at this age. Instead, you can make your own edible sand by putting crackers into a food processor. Put the sand into a container with trucks, toys, and spoons — let your baby go wild!

50. Pretend Animal Play

• Animal book.
• Animal toys.

This is a fun age to start learning all about different animals. Go through an animal book or take down animal figurine toys. Teach your child all the different animal noises and what they all do, such as a dog licking its paw or a bird flapping its wings.

It’s important you introduce a range of activities to encourage your child’s various skills. For instance, choose activities that help build their fine motor skills, gross motor skills, vocabulary, social skills, independence, dexterity, and focus. It’s also important that your child has a chance to work on sensory skills, which is why we have so many sensory-based activities .

To get going, start with any of our activity recommendations and see how your little one gets on. If they aren’t keen on gross motor skills , choose one that encourages different skills. Each time you choose an activity, make sure you’re working on all types of skills — for instance, don’t only choose sensory ones.

How Can I Stimulate My 1-Year-Old’s Brain?

It’s important to encourage your child’s intellectual side. One massive piece of advice is to limit technology and screens during these crucial early years, as this can slow development (1) .

The best thing you can do is talk with, play with, and nurture your baby. Pay attention to what they like and what interests them and plan activities around that.

Reading is another proven way to stimulate and educate your one-year-old. From books, they can learn about animals, words, and colors.

You should also choose age-appropriate toys. If you want a smart child, don’t choose toys made for older kids. Choose toys that are designed for one-year-olds — this includes building blocks , stacking cups, and stuffed animals.

Other ways to stimulate your child’s brain include:

• Looking in the mirror.
• Arts and crafts.
• Playing outside.
• Fine and gross motor skill activities.

Do 1-Year-Olds Get Bored?

Yes — one-year-olds can become bored. But studies show that it’s important to let your child feel bored sometimes, as this can lead to more imaginative and independent play (2) . Don’t feel pressured to constantly entertain your child and plan new activities every day.

Sometimes, it’s enough to leave out some building blocks or a few books and let them figure out how to entertain themselves.

What Is a Good Routine for a 1-Year-Old?

Each child is different. Some one-year-olds are still taking two naps a day, whereas others have transitioned to one nap.

A good example of a daily routine might be:

• 7:00 a.m.: Wake up.
• 7:30 a.m.: Breakfast.
• 8:00 a.m.: Get dressed.
• 8:15 a.m.: Unstructured play.
• 9:00 a.m.: Get outside for a walk.
• 10:00 a.m.: Naptime.
• 11:30 a.m.: Lunch.
• 12:00 p.m.: Age-appropriate activity.
• 1:30 p.m.: Nap time.
• 3:00 p.m.: Grocery run, pick up older kids, visit a friend.
• 4:30 p.m.: Independent play while you make dinner.
• 5:30 p.m.: Dinner time.
• 6:15 p.m.: Bathtime.
• 6:45 p.m.: Pyjamas, book, milk.
• 7:00 p.m.: Bedtime.

How Do I Keep My 1-Year-Old Busy at a Restaurant?

We take our little one out for a meal very often, starting from when he was only two weeks old! He has been a dream at restaurants, and that’s because we have figured out superb ways to keep him happy.

Our number one tip is to order their food with the starters so that you’re eating without them. One-year-olds take a long time to eat their food, so this alone should keep them busy while you eat.

Before and after they eat, make sure you have engaging activities with you, like books, toy cars, or a busy board. If necessary, take turns — one person eats their food while the other wanders around with the baby.

And if nothing else is working, this is where screen time comes in handy! Putting on a simple YouTube video like Hey Bear Sensory will capture their attention for 10 minutes while you finish your meal. But we recommend using this as a last resort.

Bring light snacks for your child to eat while waiting for food. If you have a hungry, fussy baby, this can keep them happy until their food comes. And they’ll still be hungry when it appears!

Parenting a toddler is tricky! But with these fun and educational activities for one-year-olds, you have 50 ideas for how to pass the days and encourage their crucial development skills.

Whether you’re looking for something to develop sensory, gross motor, fine motor, or musical skills, we have plenty of options to choose from.

Related Reading

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Safe Play: Learning How to Make Slime Without Borax

From Breakable to Stretchy: How to Make Slime

Making the Best of Bad Weather — Rainy Day Activities for Kids

Indoor Games for Kids: An Essential Guide for Parents

Fun and Educational: The Dual Role of Sensory Activities

Educational Toys For 1 Year Old (5 Top Recommendations)

One-year-olds are transitioning from being a baby to becoming a toddler. They become more independent and curious. Their bodies are also developing. They are ready for bigger and greater things. As they develop physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially, they need more tools and support. Toys are essential at this age to help them meet their developmental needs.

What are the best educational toys for 1 year olds ? The best educational toys for 1-year-olds provide sensory enrichment to develop their language, movement, cognitive, and social skills. The toys should teach them about colors, sounds, and textures. One-year-olds need toys that will challenge them while they are having fun. Toys need to be age-appropriate and there should be a good balance of fun and challenge. If the toy is too challenging, chances are your baby will get frustrated and give up. If the toy is too easy, they will get bored fast and will abandon the toy.

What to Look For

One-year-olds love to put things in their mouths. It is their way of exploring and inspecting things. They also love to grab, throw, step on and chew things. This is why safety should be the priority.

Choose toys that are non-toxic and safe enough if ingested. Make sure the toys do not have sharp edges, small removable parts, pinching points, and batteries.

Ease of Use

Toys should be simple and easy to manipulate no matter the degree of difficulty. If toys are hard to move or hold, a one-year-old will quickly discard the toy and move on to the next.

The best toys that are easy to use are usually wooden Montessori toys. They are not complicated and are easy to use while delivering great learning value.

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Educational Value

Does the toy have an educational value? Does it teach a lesson or a skill? These are questions you should be asking before buying a toy.

Toys should not just help children pass time. Toys should be stimulating to the senses, body, and mind.

Pick toys that will develop fine motor skills, and language skills, and teach young children about colors, letters, numbers, shapes, sounds, and many more.

Age-Appropriateness

Although children develop and grow at different paces, there is an age range in which they are expected to reach certain milestones. Check toy labels for age suggestions. Toys always come with the manufacturer’s recommended age for the user.

Picking age-appropriate toys ensures that you are giving your one-year-old a toy that they will understand, enjoy, and engage with.

Encourage Independent Play

Educational toys should encourage independence. While they should be under strict supervision, parents should give babies at least an hour of independent play. This is one way one-year-olds can develop independence, focus, and concentration at an early age.

Simple and Interactive

Educational toys for one-year-olds need to be simple without any distracting designs, colors, or noises. The simpler the toy, the better they learn. Avoid distracting lights and music that make babies passive participants. Toys should encourage participation and exploration.

Stimulating and Multi-Sensory

Toys should stimulate the body, mind, and senses. Toys should be purposeful and multi-sensory. Toys should stimulate movement, balance, and the sense of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

Encourage Social Interaction

Educational toys for one-year-olds should encourage social interaction. Through play and social interaction, babies learn language, movement, and behavior. The most essential part of play should be the interactions between you and your baby. Play is how they learn, develop, and feel loved, nurtured, and secure.

3 Types of Educational Toys for 1 Year Olds

One-year-olds are highly active and can easily be distracted. They cannot focus for long periods. Choose toys that will help them develop focus and concentration among other skills.

Physical Play Toys

Toys should help one-year-olds physically. It should help develop their muscles, especially in the legs, arms, and abdomen. This will help them crawl, climb stairs, pull to stand, and walk.

Examples of these toys include:

• Pull up bar with a mirror in front
• Push/Pull wagon
• A ride-along car or bus where they can ride and push with their legs to move
• An obstacle course where they can crawl, climb, walk, etc.

Close-Ended Educational Toys

Close-ended toys provide structure. Playtime with parameters promotes better executive function. It also teaches young children to control and manage their thoughts and emotions.

Some of these toys include:

• Wooden Puzzles
• Wooden Stacking Tower
• Sorting Cups
• Object-to-Picture Matching Cards
• Wooden Bead Maze

Open-Ended Educational Toys

Open-ended toys foster curiosity and imaginative play. Open-ended toys can easily be commandeered into pretend play like tea parties, pretend cooking or anything your child can dream of.

Wooden Block Set

• Wooden Train/Car
• A Bouncy Ball
• Wooden Peg Dolls
• wooden Art Easel Set

Educational Toys for 1 Year Old

We have come up with a list of the top 5 educational toys for1-year-olds that will help them move, think, and speak like big kids.

Flashcards with realistic pictures of animals and simple objects are great for introducing new things to your child. Flashcards with numbers, shapes, and colors are good too.

Use it repeatedly until they master the words, sounds, shapes, letters, colors, etc. It is a good activity to prepare them for bigger activities like visiting a zoo, counting, and reading. Flashcards help one-year-olds improve their language and pre-math skills among many other skills.

Walker Wagon

A walker wagon is perfect for pre-walkers and new walkers alike. Having something to push and lean on and having their toys along with them, encourages one-year-olds to stand and walk without fear of falling.

A wagon is a toy that will grow with your child. When they master their walking skills, the wagon can be used for creative and imaginative play.

This is a basic toy that all one-year-olds should have. A wooden block set provides sensorial experiences while. It is an open-ended toy that offers opportunities for creative and valuable learning.

It gives one-year-olds the freedom to explore their creativity, imagination, and construction skills. Wooden building blocks promote self-expression, creativity, and physical development, and boost self-esteem. It also develops math skills, problem-solving, communication, and literacy.

Stacking Tower

A stacking tower is a closed-ended toy that will teach one-year-olds about shapes, colors, and spatial relationships like under or on. Closed-ended toys like a stacking tower teach children through repetition. Your child will develop their fine and gross motor skill and develop their hand-eye coordination by stacking and sorting..

The best thing to encourage creativity and imagination is through arts. Your one-year-old is not too young to have their own art set that can grow with them as they develop. Have fun with your little one finger painting, drawing, and creating colorful masterpieces. Making art is a great way to keep young children engaged and focused while having fun.

Shape Sorter

A shape sorter toy helps develop fine motor skills and shape recognition. It challenges toddlers to match different shapes with corresponding holes, promoting cognitive development and problem-solving abilities.

Sensory Balls

Sensory balls with various textures, colors, and patterns stimulate tactile exploration and sensory development. They enhance motor skills and hand-eye coordination while providing a fun and engaging sensory experience.

Nesting Cups

Nesting cups are versatile toys that promote stacking, sorting, and nesting skills. They help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and introduce concepts like size and volume.

Musical Instruments Set

Introduce your little one to the world of music with a set of musical instruments. From shakers to drums, these instruments encourage rhythm exploration, sensory stimulation, and auditory development.

Make bath time educational and enjoyable with bath toys. Floating alphabets, numbers, and animal-shaped toys engage toddlers in water play, promoting early literacy, numeracy, and imaginative play.

Shape Puzzle

A shape puzzle introduces basic geometric shapes to toddlers. It enhances problem-solving skills as they figure out where each shape fits and improves hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning.

Soft Building Blocks

Soft building blocks are safe and easy for toddlers to handle. They promote creativity, imaginative play, and spatial awareness as children stack and construct different structures.

Stacking Rings

Stacking rings offer a classic and engaging activity for 1-year-olds. They help refine fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and introduce concepts like size, color, and order.

A busy board is a sensory-rich toy that features various textures, buttons, zippers, and latches. It encourages fine motor skills, problem-solving, and independent exploration.

Magnetic Fishing Game

A magnetic fishing game provides a fun and interactive way to improve hand-eye coordination and concentration. Toddlers can “catch” fish with magnetic rods, enhancing their motor skills and concentration abilities.

These are the in our opinion some of the best educational toys for one year olds. These toys also make amazing educational gifts for 1 year old and both the child and parent would love it.

Do parents need to participate in playing with educational toys? Yes. Toys are better when shared and played with others. Children learn by observing adults and other people around them. Play becomes more meaningful when they are done with loved ones. When you play with your one -year-old, they will learn to interact and behave in a social setting. You will also form a stronger bond. Although it is important to give one-year-olds time for independent play, social play is crucial to their development too.

How many toys should a 1-year-old have? The number of toys does not matter as long as they are learning. We do recommend not giving your child too many toys. Having few choices allows them to focus and play with their toys longer. Give them one or two toys at a time to play with. Do not give them access to all their toys.

When should I buy new toys for my one-year-old? Buy only when necessary. If they have outgrown their toys, it might be time to get new ones. Do not buy out of impulse. Observe your child. If they are still interested in their toys, do not buy new ones. If they have mastered the use of the toy and are getting bored with them, it might be time to buy new ones.

The best educational toys for 1-year-olds provide sensory enrichment to develop their language, movement, cognitive, and social skills. The toys should teach them about colors, sounds, and textures. One-year-olds need toys that will challenge them while they are having fun. Toys need to be age-appropriate and there should be a good balance of fun and challenge. If the toy is too challenging, chances are your baby will get frustrated and give up. If the toy is too easy, they will get bored fast and will abandon the toy. These toys are great educational gifts for 1 year old.

© Montessori Toddler 2023.

11 Brain-Boosting Open-Ended Toys for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Open-ended toys seem to be all the rage right now. What makes a toy open-ended, though? And what are the benefits of playing with open-ended toys for toddlers and preschoolers?

Which open-ended toys are the best?

So many questions!

In this article, you will get some answers. I've compiled a bunch of information on these toys and put together a list of the best open-ended toys on the market.

(This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing from these links costs you nothing extra, but helps with our website upkeep.)

What are open-ended toys?

Open-ended toys are toys that have no clear purpose and that can be used in numerous ways. These toys require full-engagement from a child in order for play to happen.

A child must figure out, on their own, what role the toy will play in their game/play scenario – and there is no wrong way to play with it.

Benefits of open-ended toys

The benefits of open-ended toys come with the level of engagement that is required for their use in play. Through play with these simple toys, children develop many different skills.

These skills include:

• Increased attention span
• Fine motor skills
• Gross motor skills
• Social skills
• Increased independence
• Problem-solving
• Creative thinking
• Storytelling & other language skills

That is quite a list of benefits!

Parents enjoy open-ended toys, too. They provide more play opportunities for the money – you've got to love that.

Examples of open-ended toys

Though I've selected the 11 best open-ended toys for this list, many, many toys can be considered open-ended.

If you are familiar with loose parts play , you will be able to more easily identify which toys are open-ended and which are not.

Here are some examples of toys that are open-ended:

• wooden block set
• items in nature
• sensory bin

Examples of close-ended toys

If you are under the impression that I'm here to convince you that open-ended toys are better than close-ended toys, I assure you I am not.

Close-ended toys serve an entirely different purpose and come with benefits of their own.

Here are some examples of close-ended toys:

• shape sorters
• light-up toys that give instructions
• board games
• musical toys

11 brain-boosting open-ended toys

1. stacking rainbows.

You may have heard of the Grimm's Rainbow before. The large rainbow consists of 12 wooden arches that fit together to form a rainbow.

Fortunately, there are plenty of stacking rainbows to choose from these days, if you don't want to splurge on an authentic Grimm's Rainbow.

They are all great for open-ended play. I do suggest staying away from the plastic rainbow stackers, as the pieces slip off each other, making play frustrating for toddlers and preschoolers.

• Beautiful heirloom-quality nesting stacker is handcrafted in…
• Children (and even adults!) will love to nest and stack the…
• Inspires creativity: Rainbow arches can be used as tunnels,…

2. Wooden Blocks

Wooden blocks don't get enough praise if you ask me. They are simple but so great for brain development !

By playing with simple wooden blocks, young children develop social, motor, cognitive, and language skills.

Another great thing about choosing wooden blocks for open-ended play is that they are often very affordable .

I've found plain wooden blocks at yard sales and thrift stores that were in great condition.

• 60 natural finished, smooth-sanded hardwood blocks to inspire…
• Packaged in a handsome, wooden tray for easy storage
• Ideal for introducing early math concepts, including shapes,…

3. Peg Dolls

Wooden peg dolls can be used in so many different ways during play.

My children enjoy color matching with their stacking rainbow and imaginative people-play with their peg dolls.

• ? MONTESSORI TOYS: An open-type developmental game designed by…
• ? INCLUDED: 12 colored wooden dolls 3.35 in; 12 wooden sorting…
• ? DEVELOPMENT: Speed up toddler advancement in visual…

4. Climbing Triangles

Gross motor toys often get left out of the open-ended play conversation.

So many important skills develop through open-ended gross motor play, though.

Pretend play and problem-solving happen when toddlers climb up a Pikler.

Children also use climbing triangles in concert with their other toys for some really fun activities.

5. Play Silks

Play silks can be used in so many different ways.

Babies like to pull them from tissue boxes, toddlers enjoy using them as capes, blankets, and sachels, and preschoolers like to practice tying knots with them.

If you are on the fence about investing in a set of quality play silks, I can reassure you that these silks can and will be used over the span of many years and in some super creative ways.

• Giant Playsilks are made from 100% real silk. Children love the…
• Giant Playsilks are perfect for fort building, your child will…
• We use all non-toxic materials and 100% real silk to handcraft…

6. Legos & Duplos

In Montessori homes, we love our wooden toys. Not all open-ended toys are made from natural materials.

Legos, Duplos, and Mega Blocks are actually some of the best open-ended toys out there.

If you are interested in procuring a set of Legos for your child, but you are environmentally conscious, you can find tons of Legos easily on Facebook Marketplace and at yard sales.

• CLASSIC TOY SET: Cutedeer building blocks set contains 258 pieces…
• HIGH QUALITY & NON-TOXIC: Building blocks using environmentally…
• GAMES & EDUCATION: The blocks have rich colors and shapes that…

7. Nesting Cups

A nesting cup set is a great open-ended toy that can be used in a variety of different ways.

In our home, nesting bowls and cups get used for serving make-believe food, mixing potions, stacking, matching, and so many other things.

• Silicone Stacking Cups: All of the Fun, None of the Plastic -…
• Nest, Stack and Play – Build it up and knock it down. Silicone…
• Easy to Clean – Convenience is everything. Ideal for kids and…

8. Balance Boards

A balance board is not only great for a child's physical development, but it's also a great toy for imaginative play.

This piece of curved wood can be used by children as young as 1 year old in a variety of ways.

Before children are old enough to balance on it, they often enjoy having it turned over and using it as a bridge, ball run, or race car track.

9. Magna-Tiles

Magna-Tiles are a must-have open-ended toy in my opinion. They lend themselves well to imaginary play with peg dolls and animal figurines.

If the Magna-Tiles brand is a bit too pricey for your tastes, there are many other brands of magnetic tiles to choose from.

• What’s Included: 100 translucent geometric shapes in 6…
• What Makes It Unique: You’re looking at the original and most…
• Developmental: Certified STEAM toy, per Dr. Gummer’s Good Play…

10. Interlocking Train Tracks

Wooden train tracks are amazing for open-ended play.

We've had the same set of wooden train tracks for nearly 6 years and I'm still amazed at the creative ways in which with they get played.

• Bonus Crane Car With Wheels ($8 Value) – The only train set sold…
• 4 Bonus Train Track Connectors ($2 Value) – Never get frustrated…
• Stronger Front & Rear Magnets For Longer Trains – The magnets on…

11. Animal Figurines

Young children enjoy reading books about and learning facts about animals.

The personality attributes of wild animals are often left up to a child's imagination, though.

This makes animal figurines a great addition to a child's toy collection.

There are simply too many open-ended play opportunities to mention with these animals.

• ? SAFARI ANIMALS: 14PCS unique non-repeating plastic jungle…
• ? SAFE & HIGH QUALITY: Animal figures toys are made of high…
• ? LEARNING EDUCATIONAL TOY: They're also the great pretend…

What are your child's favorite open-ended toys?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Legos, Duplos, and Megablocks are all considered to be open-ended toys. Though many Lego sets come with instructions for specific projects, after those projects are completed, the Legos can be disassembled and used for imaginative building.

Toy cars and ride-on vehicles, though they do have a prescribed direct purpose (to push along or to ride on), are considered open-ended toys. This is because they can be played with in numerous imaginative ways.

Yes. Dolls are considered to be open-ended toys. When children play with dolls, the dolls have no assigned purpose. They can be whatever the child imagines them to be and do anything up to the limit of the child's imagination.

Yes. Playdough is considered to be an open-ended toy. Playdough, just like all other open-ended toys, can be used in a variety of creative ways.

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8 Toys and Games that Build Problem Solving in Early Childhood

This post contains affiliate links. my  disclosure policy  gives you more details..

What toys can you gift this season that build those critical problem solving skills in young children?

Toys for toddlers and preschoolers often light up, sing, and chirp. They’re designed that way to entertain children when parents want a moment away from playing, and they often throw in what look like basic pre-K skills (numbers, letters) to make you feel less bad about letting the sing-a-long number line babysit your kid. No shame. We’ve all been there.

But for those moments when you want a break from the bells and whistles, how can you (literally) cut through the noise and give your child toys that will challenge them to solve problems and have fun at the same time?

If you make it to the end of this list, you’ll see my #1 toy recommendation this year!

These are my favorite toys and games that teach problem solving. As a parent and an educator, these are also the toys that have multiple levels of challenge and engagement so your child can play with these for years and years as their cognitive skills grow.

Don’t forget to pin this (and any of these toys) to your Christmas Gift board!

1. haba wooden color pie arranging game.

This game is beautifully crafted with a circular wooden frame and 27 colored pieces. It comes with full color cards that your child can copy in the frame to work on spatial matching.

Your two year old might arrange the pieces in the circular frame, your three year old will copy the color cards to practice matching, and your four and five year old can begin understanding how fractions work. Because of the way the pieces are sized and colored, you can talk about how two red pieces make a whole but also four yellow pieces make a whole.

My daughter has been playing with this for three years and is now fascinated with the idea that different sizes fit into the same space. Such a long-lasting toy in our house!

2. Suspend Family Game

Players take turns hanging the notched rods on the stand, but every time a rod is added the balance shifts. Kids have to use their critical thinking skills to decide where to place the rod when it’s their turn.

This game is used at my daughter’s Montessori school as a “work” that students use to build spacial awareness and fine motor skills as well as problem solving. The big crash that happens when the child miscalculates the balance is an exciting interruption!

3. Peg + Cat Memory Game

Lay out all the cards, take turns flipping them over to find a match, and watch your child develop their memory and visual discrimination skills!

This set comes with a great Peg + Cat poster of our favorite scene from Peg + Cat and The Chicken Problem.  What a bonus!

If books are your thing for gift-giving, come on over here to this post on 10 Feminist Children’s Books for the Next Generation. It features ten books with in-charge girls changing their world. Some of them are fighting for equality and some of them are just livin’ life, like Peg, solving problems and running things.

4. Marble Genius Marble Run

After constructing the run, your child can then drop the marble into the top and see if the run works! Because the parts are see-through, your child can see the progress of their marble and immediately problem-solve to make the run more effective.

What I love about this is that it’s an open-ended toy, meaning your child can create something of their own imagination and play with it in many different ways. It’s not telling your child exactly how to “win” the game or play with the toy. However, it’s still goal-oriented, and kids will delight in the thrill of making a successful run and all the creative paths they can send their marble through.

5. Take Along Wooden Doorbell Dollhouse

This is another toy we have been playing with for three years. At 2, she loved matching the color of the doll to the door and ringing the doorbells (and carrying it all over the house). Now, at 4 she’s fascinated with “tricking” me about which doll is in which door, and going through each key to open the doors over and over again.

The house has a handle on top and sturdily attached keys that, in three years, are still attached. We haven’t lost one key. The dolls are another story, but one week we gathered up all the small dolls in the house and sorted them by color into the house, so #problemsolved.

Don’t forget to pin this to your Christmas Gift board!

6. pattern blocks and boards.

With five boards featuring pictures of 10 designs created from geometric shapes, your child matches the 120 wooden shapes to each picture. Utilizing problem solving skills, kids will match shapes to the mosaic or make open-ended designs of their own.

The whole thing is contained within a wooden box with two sides: one for the boards and one for the shapes. This makes it a perfect addition to any home, but it especially fits in with a Montessori environment where each “work” is self-contained and can be put back neatly in its box.

7. Magna-tiles

These tiles snap together and can combine to make incredible structures, including flat stacks of color combos, animals, houses, villages, and bridges.

This is a great example of open-ended play because your child can direct the play, use their imagination to create structures, and develop spatial, tactile, and construction skills. My daughter likes to place items inside that can be seen through their translucent sides, and the challenge of creating these fragile structures grows with your child’s imagination.

These are perfect when your child is ready to go beyond blocks and wants to create structures that float in mid-air!

8. Goldie Blox and the Spinning Machine

In this set, you get 34 pieces that make the spinning machine as well as 9 other possible build ideas. Your child doesn’t need to know how to read for this to be a meaningful experience, but she will probably need your help the first time she creates the machine. Once she understands the concept, she can make the machine in a myriad of ways, teaching her about the concept of a belt drive.

We love this set, though it is complex. If you’re interested in a simpler machine, try the GoldieBlox Girl Inventor Zipline Action Figure Set which includes either Goldie or her best friend Ruby and instructions and materials to make a zipline. When we got this set, my daughter set this zipline up in the bedroom, off the back porch, and through the chicken coop. Watching her create new ziplines all over the house meant she understood the concept of the pulley, and was able to internalize this slightly advanced concept for a three year old. What fun!

I love the GoldieBlox series as a parent and an educator because it includes so much for kids to engage with. The story includes a real-world problem that is solved by a machine, and your child will internalize this machine’s function and concept by building it. Along the way, you get to know the characters of Goldie and her friends, which enriches the play and the fun.

Though not open-ended to start, this kit does what very few toys can do: it teaches your child how to make something that then expands what kinds of open-ended play is now possible for your child.

Check out this list of all the best GoldieBlox kits and get your kids started building and inventing today!

Interested in more gift guides? 

11 toys to build counting and sorting skills  , 22 gifts for the feminist mom smashing the patriarchy between carpool and bedtime, 10 busy books to keep your pre-reader occupied, 10 feminist books for the next generation, and for a fun surprise, download your free pdf gift guide for irreverent parents ..

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75 Developmental Games For 1 Year Old That Enhance Toddlers’ Skills  

  July 2, 2020

By   maipham

My son Ethan was a slow walker. He didn’t walk safely and steadily all by himself when he was 1 year old. We still chased after him, grabbing his collar and hands to help him walk.

But he crawled everywhere. His favorite position is under the TV counter. Sometimes I looked at him and I thought he was just like a little cat. You know, cats always love crawling in and staying inside small boxes. My son also loved to find his own shelter. Well, now I am wandering.

When it’s around his first birthday, a baby is learning new skills at the record speed. I don’t want to create bad habits or addiction for my son. So instead of giving him an Ipad or a phone to watch Cocomelon all day, we tried to introduce some developmental games to him. We still make him sit on his chair and watch TV when we need to do something else, but we always try to minimize screening time.

If you are also out of ideas of what toys to buy for your little one, or what games to play with him, here is the monster list of 75 developmental games for 1 year old babies, both indoor and outdoor so that you won’t run out of ideas to entertain your little one.

Know that this is a huge list of developmental games for 1 year old babies, so you might not read all of it at once. Bookmark and save the list so that you can come back and check it out later when you need some suggestions.

Let’s dive in.

Indoor and outdoor developmental games for 1 year old babies.

Discovery box

Put small toys inside a box or container and let your baby explore. You can place a lid on the box or container if need be.

Skills learned: Motor skills and exploring the environment.

Hide and seek the toys

Babies at this age can start locating the things that they are interested in. Get a toy and show it to him, then hide it somewhere near (let him see where you hide it) and ask him to find it. He will be confused for the first few times but will quickly grasp the rule.

Skills learned: problem solving skill and logical thinking.

You can never teach your baby too soon. Using flashcards is a great way to teach your little one about the world he is in.

Make sure you get some standard flashcards so that your baby will get the best out of it.

Skills learned: exploring the environment, getting to know different things and language skill.

I started reading for my son Ethan when he was 1 month old. Of course for the first few months, he only stared at the books, or just looked around and gave me no interest, reaction or interaction. I kept going. Everyday.

I myself consider reading as one of the most powerful developmental games for 1 year old toddler, as at this time they learn everything so quickly and can easily form good habits.

Now he is 17 months old. And is a bookworm. He reads more than 10 books a day. And several times for each book. 

Skills learned: reading, logical thinking, language.

You can make music with anything. Some empty bottles work well. A rattle is fine too. Even some squeaky ducks can do the job. Show your baby how to make noise, or music with things around the house.

Skills learned:  music, listening.

Don’t let all the cardboard go wasted. Be a little handy and create some crafts for your little one. A play house is a great gift for any baby . Your baby will love crawling in and out the playhouse and play hide and seek there.

Sticky floor

Let your little treasure barefooted. Stick some double-sided tape to the floor and let him walk on it. He will get confused, curious with the floor and try to get his feet out of it.

Skills learned: logical thinking, motor and coordination skills.

When your baby is 1 year old, it is the perfect time to play peekaboo. He will learn how other people’s faces disappear and appear again. This will help with your baby’s separation anxiety.

Sing and call out names of things

Sing some developmental songs for him and remember to point to relevant things and let him know what they are. Great songs to sing are: Head, shoulders. Knees and toes; once I caught a fish a live, etc.

Count fingers and toes

Sing the counting song or just simply count your little one’s fingers and toes with him. He will learn not only numbers, but also names of his body parts.

Crawl through tunnels

If you are crafty or handy, you might as well make a tunnel out of cardboard for your baby. Or if you are not so much (like me), you can create a tunnel with a blanket (of course with you in it) and let your baby crawl through the tunnels. He will learn how the external environment changes when he goes in and out the tunnel.

Skills learned: exploring the world and motor skills.

Freeze dance

Don’t expect your baby to be able to do the freeze dance quickly but this is the greatest time to introduce it to him. Start by singing a song he likes and dance along. Then during the song, shout “Freeze” out loud and freeze your body. Your little one will be surprised at first but quickly he will get the rule.

Play with balls

Balls are some best toys in teaching your baby many coordination skills. You can simply give him the balls, he will throw them away and then crawl after them. Or when you have some energy to take it up a notch, try throwing the ball to him and teach him how to throw it back.

Toilet paper roll chute

Tape paper towel roll cores to the wall. Then show your baby how to put a cotton ball in it and watch it come out from the other end.

This is a very easy way to teach your little one not only some skills but also set examples for him that you are environmental-friendly and you are willing to create something from scratch, with things that you are having, without waiting. This is such an important message for any developmental games for 1 year old.

Sensory bottles

Add a few drops of food coloring to water bottles along with glitter and knickknacks like beads. Tape on the top and watch as your little one is amazed by tipping the bottle around.

Put it inside the box

Get a small box or cup with a lid and make a slit on it. Then give your baby some plastic or paper coins to slide inside the box. Make sure you are always next to him to prevent any risks that might occur.

Homemade rattle

An empty bottle with a small ball, coin or some beans inside is enough to create a homemade rattle.

Play with balloons

Inflate some balloons and tie the end with threads. Then tie the threads to the top of the bedroom door to let the balloons hang. Your little one will love hitting and trying to get those balloons.

Bath time with sponge

Get some sponge and bring it to the bathtub with your little one. Show him how the sponge absorbs water and sinks, then take it out of the tub and squeeze the water out.

Shapes game

Babies at this age can tell the different shapes. Help your baby develop this skill by buying a shape puzzle toy or other shape boxes. He won’t be able to get the right puzzle but soon enough will.

Shapes game is one of the most educational developmental games for 1 year old kid.

Hide and seek

This is the great game to play with your little one. He will learn to explore around the house to find you, and it also helps with his separation anxiety.

My son Ethan loves this. Now we are playing this in bed too, but it's my turn to find him, who is actually hiding behind my back while holding my neck. It's just too cute.

Put dirty clothes to the laundry basket

You can introduce some chores to your baby at this time. Start by putting his own dirty clothes to the laundry basket.

I started by grabbing Ethan’s hand, helping him to bend over and pick up the clothes, then walk with him to the laundry basket. Of course the entire time I had to hold the clothes myself, but I also held his hand with the same hand, making sure he also touched the clothes too. I also always complimented him after we successfully put the dirty clothes away.

Bring me the…

You can teach your baby names of things around the house. Start with one thing, then two. Show him the object, name it and then put it near him. Then say “bring me the…”. If he doesn’t know how to do it, grab his hand to take the object and compliment him.

Close the door

Be extra careful with all the doors around the house. As now babies will start to try to open and close the door, just to see how things work. But this also increases the risk of smashed fingers.  You can reduce this risk with something like finger pinch guards.

Toy offering

Offer toys for the baby to hold while standing so they have to practice balancing without using their hands. Helps baby with balance and coordination.

Finger painting

Don’t forget to introduce your little one to the art world early. Some non-toxic or homemade watercolor and s piece of paper is enough. The feeling of the cool paint on their hands and feet is a fun new sensation for toddlers .

Painting with water

A smart way to reduce cleaning work is to let your little one paint with water. Offer him a wet brush or a wet sponge to paint some colored construction papers. When the brush or sponge gets dry, simply dip into water again.

Homemade playdough

Playdough is always fun to play with. But as toddlers at this age still love to explore the world with their tongues, they might as well try to take a bite from the playdough.

A non-toxic playdough is quite expensive, but there is no reason you cannot create playdough yourself. Some flour, cream of tartar, salt, food coloring and water will do the work.

Make your own toy balls

Anything can be used to make toy balls. Especially if you have some colored paper around the house. Allow your baby to join the process.

Toilet paper roll binocular

Tape 2 toilet paper rolls together and walla! You got yourself a homemade binocular.

Play with the spoon

Your little one might try to eat independently now. Or if you started BLW early, your baby is likely to know how to eat with his fingers. Now it’s time to let him play with the spoon.

Hold his hand and show him how to use the spoon to get food several times, then it’s his turn to play however he wants. He might put food into his face, hair and nose. Or the spoon can end up on the floor right away. But he will get the hang of it soon.

Get a transparent bottle and place some iron items in it. Then use a magnetic to move those items around and let your baby enjoy the excitement!

Edible slime

Everyone loves slime. I mean, what’s not to like? It’s fun, it’s weird and it’s satisfying.

However, they are quite toxic to the skin. And for babies, they can be very dangerous if your baby takes a bite of it.

Instead of never introducing it to your baby, why not make some edible slime and give it to him. There are many things you can use to make edible slime. Try milk, cornstarch and food coloring, or some melt marshmallow will do too.

Take me out of the board

Use tape to tape small toys onto the board and let your baby rescue them. If you don’t have any board, your wall, or a door works just fine.

You might think this is a boring game, but it’s quite a lot for your little precious thing, as he has to reach the toys and pull the tape out to rescue them. It encourages your baby's problem solving skill.

Role play with toys

Your baby can be quite attached to some toys. He might have some favorites.

Use those favorite toys to role play with your baby. Make conversations and interactions with him. This will boost your baby’s imagination ability and creativity.

Role play with gloves and socks

Socks and gloves can be quick and great toys. All you need to do is to put your fingers inside the gloves and socks, then the stage is yours. You can also teach your baby to play along.

Make and play with edible paint

There are some non-toxic paints out there but they are quite pricey. How about making your own paint that is safe and even edible?

You can use some strong colored fruits and veggies to create paint. But it will be fun and you don’t have to worry about your little treasure putting dirty fingers inside his mouth.

Some ideas you can think of: red color from beet root or raspberry, blue color from blueberry, yellow from oranges or pineapple, pink from dragon fruit, etc. Or you can just put a few drops of food coloring into water. Remember to add some corn starch into the mix to make it heavier.

Drop it inside the box

Prepare a box or a cup with a lid. Show your baby how you pick small items and drop them into the box. Let your baby hear the sound when they drop and encourage him to give it a try. This helps to boost their listening and problem-solving skills.

Sensory bottle

You can get all creative with an empty bottle. Put a little rice or beans into it, great, you have a homemade rattle. But if you get a little more creative, add some glitter and food coloring and edible oil into the bottle, your little one will watch it with amazement.

Pretend animal

Your baby might not know many animals yet. But you can repeat and repeat a few animal sounds for him. Tell him names of the animal, show him the picture or flashcard with that animal if possible and teach him its sound.

This will introduce your baby to the external environment.

Push-pull toys

Your baby will learn how to use his hand and fingers to push and pull the toys to direct them to his preferred direction. You can try this by sitting in front of your baby, push a toy car toward him and teach him how to push it back to you.

Open and close the drawer

Babies at this age love to explore everything. They go from cabinet to cabinet and drawer to drawer. Instead of running after him to pull him away from dangerous drawers and cabinets, you can prepare a drawer just for him that is well within his reach. Remember to empty the drawer before you allow him to play with it. Show him how to open and close it.

Surprise drawer

Put some toys inside the drawer and let him explore it. You can guide him how to put more toys in it. Change the toys often so that he will become curious every time he sees the drawer.

Which hand is it

When your baby is around 1 year old, he can locate an item and try to find it if you hide it away. Sit in front of your baby, grab a small toy and show him you have the toy inside your hands.

Then start swinging or rolling your hands, while singing “left and right, where is the toy?”. Then show him both closed hands and let him pick one. Always praise him during the game.

Sing and show phonics

Sing the phonics song while showing him the letters. Ideally, you can get a set of wooden or plastic phonics, or an ABC foam mat and point or raise the letter for him to see.

This will introduce your little one with some early education sessions.

Ball bathtub

Fill up the bathtub with some small plastic balls. Your little one will love to move around and kick and throw the balls all over.

Water pouring

You can play this game with your baby when he is in the bathtub, or swimming pool, or in a hot day. Give him a small bucket and teach him how to use the bucket to get water and pour it out. 

Shower toys

Babies will tend to love shower time now. They can even cry when you take them out of the shower. Give them some more play time in the bathtub. Bring in some plastic toys for him to play with. You can play diving, hide and seek in the water with those toys.

When your baby gets a little older, games in the bathtub can help a great deal in introducing your baby to early swimming lessons .

Velcro is fun

Give your baby a Velcro and show him how it works. Ideally, tape one side of the Velcro into a board and give him the other side to stick to and pull from it. Help your baby learn new things in the house.

Throw it back to me

Stay a little far away from your baby and throw a small ball near him. Encourage him to pick it up and throw back to you. This helps to promote babies’ motor skill, coordination skill and balancing skill.

Tie a toy to a string and encourage the baby to pull it behind them while walking. Play follow the leader and have the baby follow you around the house while pulling the toy and switch to let the baby take the lead.

Tower building

Use stackable blocks while playing with the baby . See how high the tower will go! They might laugh when it all comes crashing down. Helps baby practice developing motor skills.

Mountain climbing

Babies at this age love playing with large objects. Place some pillows on the floor and help the baby crawl over them. Make sure to keep baby safe and watch them closely. Helps baby practice crawling to learn how to get from one place to another.

Tidy up the house

One of the developmental games for 1 year old toddler that actually helps adults a lot is the "tidy up the house" game.

Ask baby to pick up scattered toys and bring them over to you. Baby will like figuring out how to bend and pick up the toys. Helps baby build strong leg muscles and begin learning how to complete simple tasks with multiple steps. You can start introducing chores to your baby too.

Squeaky toys

Help baby squeeze a squeaky toy to hear the sound. Next, cover it with a blanket and squeak it again. See how they react to hearing the sound this time and help them pull off the blanket. Helps baby exercise their memory and ability to locate sounds.

Bubble time

Blow bubbles for baby. Watch them soar through the sky and let baby pop them when they land. Helps baby learn cause and effect by watching bubbles pop when they land on other objects and people.

Reaching game

Show your baby his favorite toy and then put it away a little high for him. He will try to reach to get it. This helps baby develop his motor and coordination skill.

Clap with excitement after baby does something good. Encourage them to clap with you. Helps baby learn how to use movements to express themselves.

I am a believer of positive thinking and positivity can greatly affect our kids. So I'm not cheap on compliment and excitement. I make sure my son will get plenty of it. It helps to build up his confidence and sense of humor too. I consider this not only one of the most powerful developmental games for 1 year old, but also the most educational one, as I am teaching my son to appreciate himself.

Take the led

Take your baby outside and let him take the lead where to go. Make sure you are close to him all the time to prevent hurting.

Cereal pick up

Get your baby used to pick up food with his fingers. If you don’t want to clean the mess, start out with dry food like cereal or baby snack.

Did you know kids can paint with their feet too? Let them step in brightly colored paint and use their feet to create a masterpiece. This is best done outside, but if it’s a rainy day, you can put some plastic down on the floor for an easy cleanup.

Helps with baby's sensory development.

Balloon let go

Balloons are fun when they’re inflated, but they’re even more fun when you let them fly around the room. Instead of tying the end of the balloon, let it go and see it whoosh around the room. Let your toddler go get it!

Helps baby with motor skills, visual skills, and sensory processing.

Whipped cream painting

Spray a little whipped cream on a highchair tray or table and let your little one paint pictures in it.

Touch and feel board

One of the developmental games for 1 year old to teach them the look and feel of different things is the "touch and feel" thing.

Cover a poster board with different types of things that baby can touch, such as fake fur, sandpaper, bubble wrap and aluminum foil.

Spinning game

Babies love flipping and spinning anything they can. Give him a small box, a bottle and show him how to spin it around.

Wipe dispenser sensory box

Save your empty wipe dispensers to fill with fabric scraps. You little one will love pulling the scraps out and putting them back in. It's like a mini laundry basket for them!

Using labeling “dot" stickers, let baby create a masterpiece by sticking stickers to a blank piece of paper. They will love figuring out how the stickers work.

Ring the bell

Give your little one a bell for him to ring and learn where the sound comes from. This helps babies to develop listening and coordination skills.

Water fountain

Play this during your baby’s shower time. Leave the shower head on and let the water shoot straight up, creating a mini water fountain.

Crayons and paper

Your baby can start using crayons after he is 1 year old. Make sure you use some non-toxic and big crayons to avoid choking hazard.

To minimize the mess, cover a big floor area with paper so he can sit on it while play with it.

You can even make your own crayon from food coloring and bee wax. If this is your choice, make the crayon as big as your big thumb to prevent any choking risks.

Spaghetti time

Everybody likes spaghetti, especially when you can play with it. Boil some spaghetti into soft, rinse it off with water to avoid stickiness and give it to your baby. He can learn how to pick up a long spaghetti and swing it around.

Mirror play

Babies at this age like to see their reflection in the mirror. Show him the mirror, make funny faces on the mirror and see how he will react. He will look back and forth from the mirror to your face and laugh like crazy.

I read the book regarding mirror work of Louise Hay, on how to use the mirror to reflect ourselves and do affirmations , I believe this mirror playing game is a great developmental games for 1 year old babies, as you can introduce them to positivity at such a young age.

Grab a toy that your toddler can sit on top of as you bring them around your house or on the sidewalk. Your toddler has to stay on by holding a handle and using their legs.

Helps babies learn to use their eyes and hands together and builds gross motor skills.

What food inside the egg?

Filling plastic eggs with different food items can be lots of fun for kids this age. Fill the eggs with bite-sized snacks toddlers can eat. They'll love opening the eggs and eating tasty snacks at the same time.

Helps build baby's fine motor skills by using their fingers to open and close small objects.

Place a toy drum (or an upturned ice cream container) in front of you and baby. Use your hands or wooden spoons as drumsticks to show baby different sounds they can make.

Helps baby develop fine motor skills, listening skills, and understanding of cause and effect and rhythm.

Final thought

If you can make it all the way down here, thanks for reading. After all, this is a monster post with more than 70 developmental games for 1 year old babies . It’s hard to remember and play it all to your baby at once.

Don’t worry. The resource is always here for you. Bookmark this page, or simply print it out and come back to check when you are out of ideas.

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15 awesome open-ended toys for toddlers – that will grow with them

If you’re looking for toys for your toddler that he or she won’t outgrow straight away, I’ve got the list you need. The key word is finding toys that are open-ended. I’ve gathered the top 15 open-ended toys that my kids already own and love or which are right on top of their wishlist! These toys inspire creativity, problem-solving and lets your kids use their imagination – what more can you ask of a toy?

Making Danish is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website

I had a fair amount of toys as a kid. The classic dolls, teddies, blocks, lego and play doh, but I also had a small shelf of toys which I would probably have forgotten all about if my parents hadn’t saved them. They still just sit there on the shelf, where I probably put them as a kid, and no matter how long I stare at them, I have very little recollection of ever playing with them. Instead I remember hours of playing with my teddies, building castles and little worlds with my legos, making roads and parking spaces for my brother’s hot wheels and having little tea parties and cook outs with the pretend kitchen utentils my parents gave me for one of my birhtdays.

I dawned on me one day that the one thing these forgotten toys had in common was the fact that they were not very open-ended. They had a right way of playing or interacting with them – and one of the toys even did the playing for me, so I could just sit and observe.  No wonder I don’t recall them. I’m very certain I wished for each of these toys after having seen them on tv or in a magazine, but after the thrill off getting them and pushing their little buttons, I returned to my favourite open-ended toys.

Why is open-ended play important?

Open-ended toys are great as they encourage open-ended play. This kind of play inspires children to use their imagination, help them problem-solve, think out side the box and be creative. It’s a way of exploring the world, practicing real life skills or dealing with emotions and everyday life. Who hasn’t heard themselves reinacted by their little ones (I apparantly really like to call my kids all kinds of endearing names).

Close-ended toys aren’t bad. Not per se any way. Some are just as important as open-ended toys. Puzzles for example are fun and can help children think logically, sorting toys like put and take boxes will help develop the concentraion and marble mazes will teach a thing or two about fine motor skills and sequences. What a close-ended toy doesn’t offer is however room for the imagination as it requires your little one to interact with it in a certain way each time. And some toys, I like to call them passive toys, are very closed off to any kind of learning as they seem to be doing all of the playing for the child, like a dog that barks, moves and does tricks with the push of a button leaving the child to just watch.

In my experience passive toys often comes with batteries and can make a ton of sounds and movements by the press of a button, and even though we have owned one or two of these, I try to steer away from them. If I want them to be passive, I just turn on the telly.

What if my kids won’t play with open-ended toys

If you find that your kids won’t play with their open-ended toys, then they might need a bit of help getting started. So just sit down and start playing with them yourself, and I’m pretty confident it won’t take long before they join you. An alternative is setting up their blocks in a new way, setting the table with their play kitchen utensils and their teddies on the chairs, or drawing a road with some chalk for their cars – sometimes kids just need an invitation to get their imagination started.

• Related: 25 fun and easy indoor activities for 10-12 month olds

Another thing you can do is look at the way the toys are organized and maybe even look at the amount of toys they have. I know I have difficulty choosing between 100+ movies on HBO, but no problem when I only have 2 or 3 to choose from. Well, I think the same goes for my kids, which is why I rotate their toys and sometimes even give some away – and the one that stays out I try to organize so it’s easy to pick out. I know my 3-year old will not play with her animal figurines when they are mixed with a few blocks, some crayons, a bunch of scarfs and a few cars and maybe a few thrown under the bed – but when I put them all together in a open container and put them on the shelf, she’ll all of the sudden pick them out and start building with them.

Best 15 open-ended toys for 1+ year olds – that will be played with for years!

All of these suggestions are either toys we already got for our kids or which are on their wishlist. They are toys that your little ones won’t out grow straight away and which encourage creative thinking, problem solving and tons of play time. They vary in price range, but I find all of these toys to be a good investment. I’ve focus on high quality and try my best to go for toys that have a minimum of unnescessary chemicals and other funky stuff.

1. Wooden Rainbow Stacker

2. Big magnets

• Related: 15+ fun activities & play ideas with magnetic tiles

3. Waldorf balance board

4. Stacking cups

So simple and yet so useful. Each container can be used for a number of other activities than simply just stacking. We have two kinds – a box set in cardboard from Djeco which is very loved since it’s lightweight and easy to stack. The set we have in plastic is however just fantastic since you can use it can be used pretty much anywhere. In the bathtub, in the garden or on the beach. It can handle getting dirty since it can be washed and it’s a lot of fun for my little ones to fill them with anything from water and dirt to little figurines and pom poms. And best of all – they don’t even cost that much! Just look at these stack up cups from the First Years . If you only buy one set of stacking cups I recommend the ones in plastic, though the cardboard ones have their own place!

5. Peg dolls

6. Animal figurines

7. Play Pots and Pans

8. Building blocks

9. Rainbow scarfs

10. Baby doll

11. Cars, trains and other vehicles

12. Foldable playmat

A gymnastics mat that can be folded has so many more uses than just tumbling on. With a bit of creativity it can become a fence, a terrain for peg dolls, a bridge, a bench and even a shield. We love our gym mat from Ikea , but if you don’t live near one, a foldable gymnastics mat from Polar Aurora might be a great alternative. It’s big enough to grow with your child into adulthood, which is more than most toys can brag about.

13. Lego Duplo or Mega Bloks

14. Backpack

15. Push car(t)

This list of top 15 open-ended toys for toddlers is meant as an inspiration. You don’t really need all of toys. Less if often more when it comes to toys, but these toys will last a long time and you can always do toy rotations, meaning you always have some toys out and some in storage, switching them around whenever the kids starts to get a bit bored of the toys out. It’s a simple mechanism, but it makes big difference. Too many toys out can inhibit play. But this way you can still have a large collection of open ended toys without your kids getting overwhelmed. And since these toys will grow with your kids a bit of waiting time in the closet won’t cause the child to outgrow them.

Related Posts

We would love to be added to your list! We offer a fantastic open-ended imaginative toy for all ages. Our 11 piece play couch system is great for climbers, builders, role-play and more. Please check us out on instagram at barumbaplay or visit our website http://www.barumba.ca

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ADAM & Mila

The Ultimate List of Creative Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers

We will explore problem solving skills, milestones and creative problem solving examples for kids that you will have fun trying with your little one.

Let’s Define Problem Solving

It’s simple. Problem solving is a skill set used by your baby that incorporates his or her ability to perceive, think, and gain understanding about his or her world; including remembering and decision-making. All of these problem solving skills are also known as cognitive skills .

Purposeful Problem Solving

Problem solving is a skill that begins early in your baby’s life. But there is a difference between simple problem solving and purposeful problem solving. Let’s explain.

Purposeful problem solving involves an intended action to achieve a desired result. Your child will use a specific problem solving approach to achieve this. They may include:

• Manipulating objects
• Learning about different properties of objects
• Learning how to get things done in the easiest way

Overcoming Obstacles

Overcoming obstacles is a necessity in becoming good at problem solving . There are times when you will be convinced that your child is a genius with the clever ways he can overcome the obstacles that stand in his way!

Everyday Problems and Solutions

Make way for your little creative thinker! Overcoming obstacles in clever ways is what your little one does best. These clever ways are not always verbal (especially at a younger age), it is important to practice nonverbal problem solving activities. So, what will your baby’s creative problem solving abilities look like? Take a look at two examples of problem solving life skills activities:

Life Problem: Your child sees her bottle sticking out of the diaper bag that is slightly out of reach. Solution: Your child pulls at the strap of the diaper bag to pull it closer to her.

Life Problem: Your child sees his favorite toy on the other side of the laundry basket. Solution: He crawls around the laundry basket to get his toy.

Understanding Cognitive Development

Cognitive development is your child’s ability to communicate, think, and problem solve. As your child grows, his or her brain is growing as well. As your child’s cognitive skills become more developed, the more he or she will begin to explore their world and test things in his or her environment. Understanding your baby’s cognitive development is key to chosing the best activities to help your baby master his or her problem solving skills.

Resist Coming to the Rescue

One great tip for parents is to not be so quick to come to the aid of your child when he or she faces small everyday problems. By allowing your baby the time and space to figure things out for himself, you help him build confidence and grow his ability to problem solve.

Tips for Easy Creative Problem Solving Activities

We at ADAM & Mila wish to provide practical and easy to apply ideas for fun and educational activities. There is a variety of easy brain boosting activities to stimulate your baby’s brain, increase his or her critical thinking skills , and help your little one become a great problem solver. There are a lot of activities that you can do with your child.

Problem Solving Activities For Infants

• Sing to your baby
• Read to your baby every day

Problem Solving Activities For Toddlers

• Play peek-a-boo
• Play hide-and-seek with objects
• Play with puzzles, blocks, or drawing materials

Problem Solving Activities For Children Age 2-3

• Sort objects by color, size, and shape
• Help your child “write” his own book by writing his words while he or she draws the pictures
• Teach the words; on, under, behind, around by playing games like Simon Says
• Provide a “dress-up” box for your child for imaginative play

The Milestones of Developing Methodical Problem Solving Skills

Below we have collected all the milestones your child will go through month-by-month as he or she acquire these critical problem solving skills.

That Second Reach

Development Milestone emerges from age 5 to 7 months.

At about 5 months old, your child will begin to purposely reach for second objects while still holding on to the first one. For example, while holding one toy in his hands, he may use his other hand to reach for a second toy. He does not, however, have to necessarily pick it up.

Works for It

Development Milestone emerges from age 5 to 9 months.

Now, your baby’s movements start to demonstrate clear purpose, intention, and persistence while repeatedly reaching for objects. This is when your child will try and try again to get that ball he really wants that is out of his reach. He may reach, stretch, or even wiggle to get it.

Drops Object to Pick Up New Object

Development Milestone emerges from age 6 to 8 months.

At this age, if your little one is holding an object or toy in each of her hands, she may drop one of them to pick up a new object without even thinking about it. She isn’t yet purposefully trying to think of a way to hold all three, which is why she will drop one toy to get the new one.

Reaches for New Object While Holding Two

Development Milestone emerges from age 8 to 10 months.

Unlike the stage before, this time when your child is holding an object in each of his hands, he will attempt to pick up a third one without dropping the ones he is already holding. There is a thought process of how to hold the third item, whether it is by adjusting his grasp on the current two items, reaching with his mouth for the third item or coming up with another way.

Pulling It Closer

Now, when your child sees his favorite toy resting on a towel or sheet out of reach, he will simply purposely pull the towel or sheet with the toy on it closer to him. Observe this milestone on your child by simply placing a toy on a towel on the floor and see what your child does.

Development Milestone emerges from age 8 to 11 months.

Nothing is going to stop your little one from getting to the toy he wants! Not a box, laundry basket, or pillow. At this age, your baby will figure out a way to get that toy he wants, even if he has to push, reach above, or move around something to get it.

Getting in Motion to Grab an Object

Development Milestone emerges from age 9 to 12 months.

Now, your child is ready to crawl, creep, scoot, roll, climb, or walk to get to that toy she wants! You can test to see if your child has mastered this milestone by placing a toy that has multiple pieces like a stacking toy around the room. Place the base of the stacking toy by your child and the rings around the room and watch as your child problem solves to find the rings and bring them back to the base.

Pulling Toy Horizontally by a Handle or Strap

This stage shows your child’s understanding of how two objects are connected and how one can influence the movement of the other. So, you may see your child pull at a shoestring to get her shoe or the strap of a diaper bag to get her bottle or sippy cup.

Pulling Toy Vertically by a Handle or Strap

Development Milestone emerges from age 13 to 15 months.

Now that she has mastered pulling horizontally at a string or strap of an object to bring it closer to her, she will begin to pull at strings or straps that are hanging to pull an object up to her. For example, she may pull a string or plastic chain link of a toy dangling from her high chair.

Flips Over Container to Get to Small Objects

Development Milestone emerges from age 12 to 18 months.

When trying to get at a small object inside of a container, your baby will likely try to get at it by poking his finger in it or shaking it. However, after showing him how, your baby will flip over the container and begin to shake it until the desired object falls out.

Simple Problem Solving with Tools

Development Milestone emerges from age 17 to 24 months.

At this stage, your child will use an unrelated object to get the object she actually wants. For example, she may grab a nearby stick (or spatula) to get her favorite toy out from underneath the couch or she may invent other ways to solve her problem of getting her favorite toy out.

Turning Doorknobs

Development Milestone emerges from age 21 to 23 months.

Now, the fun begins (depending on your idea of fun) because your toddler has figured out that he or she can get to the other side of the door by simply turning the doorknob. This means you need to do another round of baby proofing. A door is no longer an obstacle.

These are some of the many milestones that your child is mastering as he or she is growing from infant to toddler. Your baby’s ability to problem solve is an important one. It can also be a lot of fun to help them along the way as that skill continues to develop. It is important to note that every baby learns at his or her own pace. So, don’t worry if your baby isn’t doing what your neighbor’s kid was doing at that age. Always speak to your pediatrician for serious concerns. Otherwise, try out some fun activities with your baby that we know will benefit both you and your child. Oh, and remember to have fun!

We hope that this article was helpful to you. We would love to know what you think! Please share our article with others who might benefit from it.

Read our complete guide to Cognitive Development Milestones

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Grand ma Iris says

April 3, 2019 at 6:27 pm

Enjoyed reading your article on early childhood growth and thinking process for problem solving. Helpful

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Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers

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7 Problem Solving Activities for Toddlers

If you have a toddler, challenges like tough homework problems or social dilemmas are still a long way off. But their brains are already working to build the cognitive skills they’ll need to solve life’s “big” problems later on. For now, problem-solving activities – even ones that seem simple to us – can help them boost their cognition, resilience, and creativity. Best of all? These “problems” are actually fun! Here are seven simple problem-solving activities for toddlers and preschoolers you can start trying right away!

Memory Games

Those little memory card games with matching pictures are great for building concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills in your toddler! Many sets might come with a few too many pairs for a toddler to handle without help, so start with just three to four pairs and see if they can match them up! As they begin to master that, you can add in more and more pairs until they’re working with the entire deck. If you don’t have a deck, you can easily DIY your own with online printables or your own drawings.

Shape Sorters

Shape sorters are a classic problem-solving toy for young toddlers. In addition to matching the shapes to the correct holes, they’ll also need to figure out why the shapes don’t always fit into the hole, requiring them to rotate the shape or make subtle adjustments to their grip.

Sorting/ Grouping by Category

Sorting activities are excellent for toddlers’ problem solving and cognitive development, so there’s no need to stop with shape sorters! Set up simple activities that allow them to sort by a variety of categories. This can be as simple as letting them unload the dishwasher silverware tray into the silverware organizer. Or ask them to gather up all the yellow items they see in a room.

Rotating puzzles is a great way to keep the problem-solving challenge fresh for your toddler. Even a familiar puzzle can present a fun, “new” challenge for your toddler if they haven’t seen it in weeks.

Hide the Teddy Bear

One cognitive milestone for two-year-olds is the ability to find an object that’s been hidden under two or more layers. Once they’ve mastered that, they’ll be ready for more advanced hiding games. Try hiding a teddy bear or other toy when they aren’t looking and then give them clues to find it. You can start off with basic directions and then progress to tougher clues or games of warmer/ colder.

Help Mommy/ Daddy

Toddlers love to help, and helping Mommy or Daddy with a problem can be a lot less frustrating than solving their own. For example, if your little one has been determined to put on their own socks lately but always ends up super frustrated, try mimicking the same problem yourself and asking for their help. You can coach them through the process (“Now we need to stretch out the opening of the sock!”), and because their emotions aren’t already running high, they’ll be more likely to actually absorb your tips. You can model how to stay calm through frustrating situations and help them build confidence in their ability to tackle the same problem later.

Constructive Play Toys

The ability to build a block tower of four or more blocks is actually considered a cognitive milestone for two-year-olds. For three-year-olds, a tower of six or more blocks is the expected milestone. That’s because building anything, even a simple block tower, is a true problem-solving challenge for toddlers. Blocks, train sets, and other building toys let your child work out how to balance, fit pieces together, and deal with frustration as they learn to master the challenge.